BWC Genetic Laboratory Managed Equipment Service PME

Overview

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.