Published date: 19 January 2026

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 2 February 2026

Contract summary

Industry

  • Laboratory services - 71900000

Location of contract

E14 4PU

Procurement reference

CF-3348400D0O000000rwimUAA

Published date

19 January 2026

Closing date

2 February 2026

Contract type

Service contract

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Instructions:
1. The purpose of this document is to enhance the Authority's understanding of the marketplace and its options for sourcing for a potential future requirement.

2. The issuance of this request for information (RFI) does not constitute a sourcing exercise nor will the Authority pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response
to this RFI.

3. The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) key objectives for this RFI are:

a. understand the ability of the marketplace to fulfil its requirements;
b. refine the scope of the requirements to best align to the marketplace; and
c. inform the Authority's chosen route to market to best enable competition.

4. The key dates for this RFI are as follows:
1. RFI Published: 19th January 2026
2. RFI Response 2nd February 2026

5. Should you have any questions or queries relating to this RFI, please use the Atamis portal's messaging centre to direct your questions to us for a response.

6. If a response is not received by the RFI response deadline this will have no impact on your ability to tender for the opportunity in the future. UKHSA will not enter into contracts on the basis of replies to this RFI.

Description of Scope of Requirements:

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is exploring opportunities to supplement its existing Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratory capacity through collaboration with operational CL3 facilities across the UK.
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to understand the capabilities, readiness, and interest of organisations that currently operate CL3 laboratories and may be able to support UKHSA's public health mission during surge periods or emergencies.

Objectives - Identify operational CL3 laboratories with spare capacity or surge readiness. -Assess technical, digital, and governance capabilities for collaboration. - Explore commercial models for potential engagement with UKHSA.

This RFI is intended for organisations that currently operate CL3 laboratories in the UK. Responses should focus on existing facilities and capabilities that could be mobilised to support UKHSA's laboratory operations, particularly during public health emergencies or
periods of high demand.

Should you wish to respond to this Request for Information, please complete and return the attached RFI via email to joshua.williams@ukhsa.gov.uk.

More information

Attachments

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Contact name

Joshua Williams

Address

10 South Colonnade
London
E14 4PU
GB

Email

joshua.williams@ukhsa.gov.uk