Medical imaging services and analysis of imaging to determine chronological age

Tender description

The Authority is responsible for the processing of asylum claims. This may be from individuals who are claiming to be minors, but who are undocumented and for whom there is reason to have doubts about their claim. The UK is one of only a handful of countries not to use scientific methods to support age assessment. There is a requirement for supplementing current age assessment techniques of young people/ adolescents/young adults, identifying those who are still developing against individuals who have reached physical maturity. We are seeking to supplement current techniques, which are predominantly social worker led assessments, with a scientific technique or combination of techniques. Specifically, the Authority is keen to understand the potential of a medical imaging approach combined with analysis of images to establish chronological age. It is estimated that the contract(s) will be let by mid-2022 for a minimum of three years. Lot 1: The Authority seeks a partner or partners to provide facilities and operators of medical imaging equipment with subsequent analysis of images to provide the Home Office with scientific estimation of chronological age. It is understood that the use of x-rays are the most common form of imaging technique for these purposes but other methods would not be precluded if they can be demonstrated to be viable and effective and the exact type of x-ray is still to be determined. The partner(s) would provide facilities for the capture of images at one or more locations. Coverage across several sites, providing for broader national coverage would be an advantage. The initial estimate is for a requirement of approximately 1,000 assessments a year, however this figure will fluctuate, potentially significantly, based on unpredictable factors. The content of this PIN, including the nature of works, services, lots, and estimated value, may be the subject to change.