Official UK procurement notice
Storage and Distribution of Cellular Therapy Products Autologous Service Provision
Authority: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Central government)
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionContract for storage and distribution of stem cells
CPV: Blood analysis services
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · no lot value publishedLot #1Services to include processing and storage of stem cellsAwarded
Services to include processing and storage of stem cells<br/><br/>This notice is an intention to award a contract under the PSR Most Suitable Provider process.<br/>The approximate lifetime value of this contract will be £200,000.<br/><br/>This is an existing service<br/>This will be a new provider<br/>The services will be provided between 1st February 2026 and 31st March 2027.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record · publisher note attached- Procedure method
- Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
- Legal basis
- CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded without competition
- Procurement threshold
- Unspecified in notice
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Direct award (no call for competition)
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 19 Aug 2025, 14:56 BST
- Last source update
- 19 Aug 2025, 14:56 BST
- Authority reference
C378402- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-049876- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-058aa1Find a Tender
- Why no open competition
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive
- Published justification
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by [Add date]. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR'
Publisher note: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by [Add date]. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.<br/><br/>Communication can be directed to [email protected]<br/><br/>The award decision makers include the Business Manager, Contracts Manager, Procurement Manager, and representation from the Operational teams.<br/>There are no declared conflicts or potential conflicts of interest of individuals making the decision.<br/><br/>1) Quality and Innovation<br/>NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has a well-established reputation for delivering services that meet international standards, including support for JACIE-accredited centres. Their expertise in specialist techniques such as CD34+ cell selection, red blood cell depletion, and viability testing contributes directly to improving clinical safety and precision. The service is underpinned by strong quality assurance processes and full traceability, ensuring that patients benefit from safe, reliable and compliant stem cell processing.<br/><br/>2) Value<br/>NHSBT provides a competitively priced service which includes cryopreservation, storage, and a comprehensive suite of testing. Their pricing model offers transparency and good value for money, with bundled services helping to reduce administrative burden and streamline processes. The inclusion of additional services such as donor testing and pre/post-processing enumeration adds further value without extra cost, supporting both operational efficiency and affordability.<br/><br/>3) Integration, Collaboration and Service Sustainability<br/>The service is well aligned with the needs of both NNUH and James Paget University Hospital, with NHSBT already working in partnership with multiple NHS Trusts. Their ability to integrate into existing care pathways and respond flexibly to clinical demands will make them a reliable supplier. The long-term viability of the service will be supported by robust infrastructure, shared systems, and a commitment to continuity of care across the Norfolk and Waveney System. <br/><br/>4) Improving Access, Reducing Health Inequalities and Facilitating Choice<br/>Faster processing and testing times mean patients can access treatment more quickly, which is particularly important in time-sensitive transplant cases. NHSBT’s national infrastructure supports equitable access for patients at the NNUH, helping to reduce health inequalities across the Norfolk and Waveney area - in particular for patients from more remote or underserved areas. This in turn increases patient choice and ensures fairer access to specialist treatment.<br/><br/>5) Social Value<br/>NHSBT delivers strong social value through investment in training, development, and local workforce support. They are actively involved in delivering against NHS sustainability goals, including reducing waste and supporting lower-carbon logistics. Their ethical sourcing policies and commitment to workforce wellbeing also contribute positively to the wider objectives of the NNUH and the NHS as a whole.
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT (NHSBT)SME | — | — | Awarded |
Contracts
Contract 049876-2025-1 · NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT (NHSBT)SME
- Signed
- 19 Aug 2025
- Value
- —
- Status
- active
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1bids | — | — | £200,000 – £200,000 |
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Dispute resolution & review bodies
- NHS EnglandMediation bodyReview body
Bidders & participating suppliers
1 commercial party on the notice- NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT (NHSBT)Awarded supplier
Official documents & specifications
Official links; attachments are not copiedNo document links were published on the notice.