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Preliminary Market Engagement Blood Bags, Ancillary Packs, Additive Solutions and Automated/Semi-Automated Blood Processing Technology Request for Information (RFI)

NHS Blood and Transplant · NHS and health

In brief

NHS Blood and Transplant has announced plans to buy medical supplies work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

It is a framework worth up to £800,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 8 years, starting 1 November 2027.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Competition

Usually low: a median of 2 bids per contract for this buyer (from 42 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £800,000,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

What the notice says

This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to initiate market engagement activities, participation in this engagement does not imply any commitment from the Participating Authorities regarding future procurement decisions. The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice may be subject to further amendment and revision. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied is, or will be made; and no liability is, or will be, accepted by the Participating Authorities as to the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information shared during this engagement. Any liability however arising is expressly disclaimed and no expense in responding to this…Read the full description
This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to initiate market engagement activities, participation in this engagement does not imply any commitment from the Participating Authorities regarding future procurement decisions. The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice may be subject to further amendment and revision. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied is, or will be made; and no liability is, or will be, accepted by the Participating Authorities as to the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information shared during this engagement. Any liability however arising is expressly disclaimed and no expense in responding to this engagement will be reimbursed by the Authorities. Collaborating Blood Establishment / Participating Authorities "the Authorities": NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), Welsh Blood Service (WBS), Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS), Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (ARCL); New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS); In addition, and subject to confirmation other member blood establishments of the European Blood Alliance (EBA) will be entitled to call-off from the Framework (if established). NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is looking to establish a Framework Agreement for primary blood packs, ancillary blood processing packs, sample pouches, additive solutions and automated/semi-automated blood processing technology to commence mid-2027. Precise quantities are unknown at this time, however anticipated expenditure will be in the region of up to £40M in the first year of the Framework, however this is approximate only and the value will depend on the requirements of the Authorities purchasing under the Framework. Estimated Value over an 8-year Framework Agreement term is approximately 500M to £800M (dependent on the requirement of the Authorities and participation by additional EBA members). The Framework will be between NHS Blood and Transplant and the awarded Suppliers. Call-off Contracts will be between the individual blood establishments and the Supplier. The anticipated Lot Structure for this procurement is set out as follows: Lot 1: Blood Packs *Primary Whole Blood Collection Lot 2: Ancillary Blood Processing Systems *Ancillary Blood Processing Systems for component development *Sample Pouch for Quality Monitoring of components Lot 3: Additive Solutions *For the suspension of pooled and apheresis platelets (Platelet Additive Solution) *For the washing and re-suspension of ‘washed’ platelets *For the washing and storage of red blood cells Lot 4: Automated or Semi-Automatic Blood Processing Main Objectives of this Market Engagement: - To understand the current market landscape - To understand supplier capabilities and capacity. - To understand new and innovative ideas and better understand what is possible. -To gather information on available and emerging technologies. - To inform the development of technical specifications and the procurement strategy. Who Should Respond: This notice is open to any potential supplier i.e. manufacturer, distributor, product supplier with experience in supplying blood collection and processing equipment to healthcare or blood service organisations. To respond to this opportunity, please visit: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome register or login and search C390121 Preliminary Market Engagement Blood Bags, Ancillary Packs, Additive Solutions and Automated/Semi-Automated Blood Processing Technology Request for Information (RFI)

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 083116-2025

About the buyer

Procurements

122

Awards

65

Suppliers it has used most for medical supplies

  1. WBS-FTS-63787 Replacement of Rapid Plasma/Blast Freezer Equipment

    NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)WalesLaboratory and scientific equipment, Medical equipment and supplies

    Closing soon5 days leftSuitable for SMEs

    £470kestimated
  2. Absorbents

    NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)WalesMedical equipment and supplies

    Open8 days left9 lotsSuitable for SMEsFramework

    £1.08mframework ceiling
  3. Laryngoscope Blades & Associated Consumables

    NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)WalesMedical equipment and supplies

    Open12 days left9 lotsSuitable for SMEsFramework

    £3.82mframework ceiling
  4. Online evidence based treatment/recovery service

    Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed PowysWalesMedical equipment and supplies

    OpenNew12 days leftSuitable for SMEsSmall contract

    £36kestimated
  5. Generic Drugs - Injections/Infusions

    NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)WalesMedical equipment and supplies

    Open12 days leftSuitable for SMEs

    £39.6mestimated

From notice 083116-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 16 December 2025. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.