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AwardedFind a Tender · award

External Quality Assessment (EQA) Service

Buyer: NHS England →

BuyerNHS England
StatusAwarded
DeadlineNot published
Value£2,400,000
Published7 May 2026

What is being bought

This is a DAP A for an existing service following a Market Engagement exercise.

Delivery location

UK

Categories

Health services 85100000

Lot details

Lot 1

The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub(GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory);<br/>• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered incompliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).<br/>An award has been made following Direct Award Process A. The service started on 1st April 2026 for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for a further 1 year at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.

Statuscancelled

Award criteria
No realistic alternative provider — 100

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Not publishedNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 85. The category anchor is Health services (85100000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 8516,9041 median · 31.9 average (7,951 of 16,904 with a bid count)2 average (8,881 of 16,904 with named award suppliers)10 comparable price pairs
Same buyer1051 median · 101.8 average (56 of 105 with a bid count)2.7 average (73 of 105 with named award suppliers)Not published
Delivery region: UK9081 median · 44.1 average (336 of 908 with a bid count)4.2 average (400 of 908 with named award suppliers)1 comparable price pairs
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)7264 median · 15.4 average (32 of 726 with a bid count)1.8 average (32 of 726 with named award suppliers)4 comparable price pairs

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Indicative price outcome

£1,561,439 is the median lowest-valid-bid benchmark for the broad CPV market sample, against this procedure’s published value of £2,400,000.

This is a historical comparator, not a bid-price forecast or a guaranteed saving. It excludes records where the published values cannot be sensibly compared and does not adjust for lot structure, quality weighting, framework terms or scope.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleThese contract awards are being made under the Direct Award Process A
Rationale classificationsThe procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive
Special regimeNot published
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetNot published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents0
Planning milestones0

No planning milestones published.

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Awards

Contracts

041656-2026-1

Statusactive
Value£2,400,000

Documents & submission route

No documents are published in the current source record.

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-05d767
Latest release ID041656-2026
Latest release timestampThu May 07 2026 06:55:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statuscomplete
Procurement methodlimited
Procurement method detailsAward procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Main procurement categoryservices
Above thresholdNot published
Legal basis32014L0024
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender valueNot published
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release1
Contracts in latest release1
Parties in latest release3

Notice history

DateEventReference
7 May 2026award, contract041656-2026
30 Oct 2025planning069861-2025

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "041656-2026",
  "tag": [
    "award",
    "contract"
  ],
  "bids": {
    "statistics": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": 1,
        "measure": "bids",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      }
    ]
  },
  "date": "2026-05-07T07:55:54+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d767",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
    "name": "NHS England"
  },
  "awards": [
    {
      "id": "041656-2026-1",
      "status": "active",
      "suppliers": [
        {
          "id": "GB-FTS-181439",
          "name": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE"
        }
      ],
      "relatedLots": [
        "1"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "tender": {
    "id": "C397948",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "cancelled",
        "options": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend the contract beyond the initial term for an additional 1 year."
        },
        "hasOptions": true,
        "description": "The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub(GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory);<br/>• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered incompliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).<br/>An award has been made following Direct Award Process A. The service started on 1st April 2026 for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for a further 1 year at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.",
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "No realistic alternative provider",
              "type": "cost",
              "description": "100"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "External Quality Assessment (EQA) Service",
    "status": "complete",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32014L0024",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "description": "This is a DAP A for an existing service following a Market Engagement exercise.",
    "classification": {
      "id": "85100000",
      "scheme": "CPV",
      "description": "Health services"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "limited",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "These contract awards are being made under the Direct Award Process A",
    "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
      {
        "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE",
        "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
        "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive"
      }
    ]
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
      "name": "NHS England",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8UG",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "buyerProfile": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
            "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Body governed by public law"
          },
          {
            "id": "07",
            "scheme": "COFOG",
            "description": "Health"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "NHS England"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Collette Palmer",
        "email": "collette.palmer@nhs.net"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-181439",
      "name": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE",
      "roles": [
        "supplier"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKE",
        "locality": "Sheffield",
        "postalCode": "S9 3TL",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Offices 5-6 Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Worksop Road"
      },
      "details": {
        "scale": "sme"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "03012351",
        "legalName": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "telephone": "+44 1312426898"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-141301",
      "name": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit",
      "roles": [
        "reviewBody"
      ],
      "address": {
        "locality": "Derby",
        "postalCode": "DE1 3QT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.ardengemcsu.nhs.uk/"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "contracts": [
    {
      "id": "041656-2026-1",
      "value": {
        "amount": 2400000,
        "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "status": "active",
      "awardID": "041656-2026-1",
      "dateSigned": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00"
    }
  ],
  "description": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) confirmation of contract award notice. This contract has been awarded under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award.<br/>Decision makers: National Commissioning Group (NCG) DATEXXXXX",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (2 releases)
7 May 2026 · 041656-2026 · award, contract
{
  "id": "041656-2026",
  "tag": [
    "award",
    "contract"
  ],
  "bids": {
    "statistics": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": 1,
        "measure": "bids",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      }
    ]
  },
  "date": "2026-05-07T07:55:54+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d767",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
    "name": "NHS England"
  },
  "awards": [
    {
      "id": "041656-2026-1",
      "status": "active",
      "suppliers": [
        {
          "id": "GB-FTS-181439",
          "name": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE"
        }
      ],
      "relatedLots": [
        "1"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "tender": {
    "id": "C397948",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "cancelled",
        "options": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend the contract beyond the initial term for an additional 1 year."
        },
        "hasOptions": true,
        "description": "The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub(GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory);<br/>• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered incompliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).<br/>An award has been made following Direct Award Process A. The service started on 1st April 2026 for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for a further 1 year at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.",
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "No realistic alternative provider",
              "type": "cost",
              "description": "100"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "External Quality Assessment (EQA) Service",
    "status": "complete",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32014L0024",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "description": "This is a DAP A for an existing service following a Market Engagement exercise.",
    "classification": {
      "id": "85100000",
      "scheme": "CPV",
      "description": "Health services"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "limited",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "These contract awards are being made under the Direct Award Process A",
    "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
      {
        "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE",
        "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
        "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive"
      }
    ]
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
      "name": "NHS England",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8UG",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "buyerProfile": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
            "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Body governed by public law"
          },
          {
            "id": "07",
            "scheme": "COFOG",
            "description": "Health"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "NHS England"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Collette Palmer",
        "email": "collette.palmer@nhs.net"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-181439",
      "name": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE",
      "roles": [
        "supplier"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKE",
        "locality": "Sheffield",
        "postalCode": "S9 3TL",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Offices 5-6 Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Worksop Road"
      },
      "details": {
        "scale": "sme"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "03012351",
        "legalName": "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "telephone": "+44 1312426898"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-141301",
      "name": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit",
      "roles": [
        "reviewBody"
      ],
      "address": {
        "locality": "Derby",
        "postalCode": "DE1 3QT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.ardengemcsu.nhs.uk/"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "contracts": [
    {
      "id": "041656-2026-1",
      "value": {
        "amount": 2400000,
        "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "status": "active",
      "awardID": "041656-2026-1",
      "dateSigned": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00"
    }
  ],
  "description": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) confirmation of contract award notice. This contract has been awarded under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award.<br/>Decision makers: National Commissioning Group (NCG) DATEXXXXX",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
30 Oct 2025 · 069861-2025 · planning
{
  "id": "069861-2025",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2025-10-30T16:23:40Z",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d767",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
    "name": "NHS England"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "C397948",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planned",
        "description": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements. Participation to this market engagement will close at 12 noon of Friday 21st November 2025.<br/><br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to: <br/>•\tDeliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory); <br/>•\tParticipate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered in compliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), in the following areas: <br/><br/>The anticipated contract duration for this service is 2 years, with an option to extend the contract by a further 1 year period at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.<br/><br/>If, as a result of the market engagement, competition is absent or minimal, the Commissioner may use the Most Suitable Provider Process or Direct Award Process C. Where competition is absent, Direct Award Process A will be utilised.<br/><br/>Following market engagement and review of capable providers, the Commissioner will consider the most appropriate PSR process to formally commission this service.<br/>NHS England (National) Specialised Commissioning is the contracting and commissioning authority for this service. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link:  <br/>https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome <br/>The project reference is C397948 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12 noon Friday 21st November 2025."
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory",
    "value": {
      "amount": 2400000,
      "currency": "GBP"
    },
    "status": "planned",
    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA"
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32014L0024",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "description": "NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/><br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest and participate in the market questionnaire which will provide feedback to commissioners. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise.",
    "communication": {
      "atypicalToolUrl": "https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome",
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-01-30T00:00:00Z"
    },
    "classification": {
      "id": "85100000",
      "scheme": "CPV",
      "description": "Health services"
    },
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-130973",
      "name": "NHS England",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKJ1",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SE1 8UG",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "buyerProfile": "https://www.england.nhs.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
            "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Body governed by public law"
          },
          {
            "id": "07",
            "scheme": "COFOG",
            "description": "Health"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "NHS England"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Collette Palmer",
        "email": "collette.palmer@nhs.net"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}