CLI-OJEU-50937 Ultra-High Resolution Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Typing for the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry

Tender description

NWSSP Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, and the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry (WBMDR), part of Welsh Blood Service, are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified contractor to perform Ultra-High Resolution HLA Typing. For whole blood samples Ultra-High Resolution (USR) HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1, and DRB3/4/5 HLA Typing is required. The provision of CCR5 testing from whole blood samples is also desirable. For cheek swab samples Ultra High Resolution (UHR) HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1 and DRB3/4/5 HLA Typing as well as ABO/Rh and CMV Testing is required. Lot 1: The Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry (WBMDR) recruits volunteer donors via blood sample and cheek swab (buccal swab) to support stem cell transplantation. The WBMDR has different typing and testing requirements depending on sample type: For whole blood samples: We require Ultra High Resolution (UHR) HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1 and DRB3/4/5 HLA typing. The provision of CCR5 testing from whole blood samples is desirable. For cheek swab samples: We require Ultra High Resolution (UHR) HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1 and DRB3/4/5 HLA typing as well as ABO/Rh and CMV testing. The contractor must be able to deliver the HLA types and relevant testing results (see above) of at least 4,000 stem cell donors. The HLA typing must be performed using modern methodology such next generation sequencing and must comply with an accredited Standard, for example, EFI or ASHI (or an acceptable equivalent). The results of typing at HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1 and DRB3/4/5 and associated ABO/RH, CMV and CCR5 testing will be added to the WBMDR panel of donors as part of the recommendations of the UK Stem Cell Strategic Forum to increase the number of UK patients finding an acceptable match within a clinically appropriate time-period. This provision also supports transplantation for global patients. NWSSP-Procurement Services and WBMDR are looking to enter into pre-tender engagement with interested suppliers to explore options prior to commencing the tender process. All interested parties are invited to express their interest in writing by email to Joanne Liddle at Joanne.liddle@wales.nhs.uk with subject to read Expression of Interest. Please include company name, contact name, job title, telephone number and email address and a brief overview of your companie's activity in relation to this requirement. The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Friday 19th August 2022. All interested parties will be invited to pre-tender engagement either via MS Teams or in person. It is envisaged that this will be held beginning of September 2022. Additional information: Please ensure you submit your expressions of interest by email to Joanne Liddle at Joanne.liddle@wales.nhs.uk