External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory

Tender description

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/><br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest and participate in the market questionnaire which will provide feedback to commissioners. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise. Lot 1: NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements. Participation to this market engagement will close at 12 noon of Friday 21st November 2025.<br/><br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to: <br/>• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory); <br/>• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered in compliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), in the following areas: <br/><br/>The anticipated contract duration for this service is 2 years, with an option to extend the contract by a further 1 year period at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.<br/><br/>If, as a result of the market engagement, competition is absent or minimal, the Commissioner may use the Most Suitable Provider Process or Direct Award Process C. Where competition is absent, Direct Award Process A will be utilised.<br/><br/>Following market engagement and review of capable providers, the Commissioner will consider the most appropriate PSR process to formally commission this service.<br/>NHS England (National) Specialised Commissioning is the contracting and commissioning authority for this service. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link: <br/>https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome <br/>The project reference is C397948 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12 noon Friday 21st November 2025.