PHW-FTS-63130 Virology Managed Service Contract

What this is

Preliminary market engagement (UK2, May 2026): Public Health Wales plans a Virology Managed Service Contract — a specialist non-serology molecular laboratory managed service (automation + assays) across three regions of the PHW Microbiology Network, delivering UKAS-compliant molecular testing for respiratory viruses (flu A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2), sexual-health markers, mycology PCR, plus genotyping/sequencing and outbreak support, with an open platform and surge capacity. Estimated GBP 4,900,000 excluding VAT; contract estimated 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2035, extendable to 2038. Engagement (email interest) closed 4 June 2026 with sessions 17-18 June; tender notice estimated 1 September 2026.

Key points

• Molecular virology managed service for Public Health Wales (3 regions)
• PCR for respiratory viruses, sexual-health, mycology + genotyping/outbreak support
• GBP 4.9m est.; long horizon (Apr 2028 - Mar 2035, +3 years)
• Engagement closed June 2026; tender expected ~1 Sept 2026
• Open-platform requirement + UKAS compliance are central; suits IVD diagnostics vendors

Who can bid

UK2 engagement stage — email interest closed 4 June 2026; MS Teams sessions 17-18 June. Tender notice expected ~1 September 2026 on Sell2Wales/Find a Tender.

• UKAS compliant

How it is scored

Per the tender notice; open-platform, surge-capacity and quality assurance are stated priorities.

Money

GBP 4.9m est. (indicative, subject to change) over the contract term.

How to submit

Via the coming tender notice; engagement via nwssp.procurementcataloguepathology@wales.nhs.uk.

Clarifications

nwssp.procurementcataloguepathology@wales.nhs.uk (Mat Williams).

Contract period

Long-term managed service: ~7 years from April 2028 + extensions to March 2038.

Classification

CPV 85145000 — Services provided by medical laboratories 85111800 — Pathology services38434580 — Immunoassay analysers Wales