RFI - Rapid Incident Team-Biological and Environmental Sampling

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats. We provide intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage, to make the nation's health secure.

The Rapid Investigation Team (RIT) has a national remit across England to support the rapid investigation and response to disease outbreaks at their source, with the aim of limiting its impact and preventing further spread/harm. On-site outbreak investigation, including the collection of biological and environmental samples along with contextual qualitative and quantitative data are also within the RIT's remit.

Further detail of the pathogens that may require investigation and sampling are included within the Bacteriology reference department user manual : Virus reference department user manual , and Food Water and Environmental Microbiology reference manual ;

The RIT requires rapid biological and environmental sampling services (including domiciliary community sampling) that are readily available to support outbreak and incident investigation and response. These services are outsourced to relieve the pressure on internal clinical resources and to provide a more rapid and convenient service to the individuals identified as requiring sample collection across England.

The collection of biological samples is considered a public task under UKHSA's responsibility in responding to public health emergencies and does not require ethical approval from the Health Research Authority or other regulatory authority.

The aim of this request for information is to understand the markets' ability to meet the Authority's needs of this service and deliverables; to ensure that there is consistent and affordable provision of high quality, safe and compliant Sampling Services in England to support the response to communicable and non-communicable disease control.

Should you wish to respond to this Request for Information, please complete the response questionnaire which is found at the following link: https://health-family-contract-search.secure.force.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a078d000000uSjVAAU&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=