BWC Genetic Laboratory Managed Equipment Service PME

The Genetics Laboratory currently manages equipment procurement, maintenance arrangements, consumable purchasing, inventory management and asset replacement through a combination of scientific, technical, procurement and support staff. While this model has successfully supported significant growth in genomic testing activity, a number of opportunities have been identified to improve resilience, standardisation and long-term sustainability.

Specific challenges identified include:

• Increasing complexity and scale of genomic technologies.
• Managing a growing portfolio of equipment service and maintenance contracts.
• Requirement for more sophisticated inventory and stock management solutions.
• Need for improved resilience and continuity arrangements.
• Pressure on laboratory staff to undertake non-core operational activities.
• Requirement to maintain regulatory compliance whilst supporting service growth.
• Long-term capital replacement planning across a large and diverse equipment estate.

BWC is therefore exploring whether a Managed Equipment Service model could provide operational, financial and strategic benefits whilst maintaining full clinical, scientific and regulatory oversight The contracting authority is undertaking a strategic review of its future operating models for laboratory assets, consumables, and associated support services. The current baseline expenditure across these categories is around £12 million annually. The estimated procurement value is currently set at £0 as the future scope, commercial structure, and delivery models are completely undefined. This UK2 notice is an invitation for preliminary market engagement to help shape our future requirements.