Request for Information (RFI) - Malaria Reference Laboratory Service

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.

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening febrile illness caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. There are 5 species of Plasmodium that infect humans: P. falciparum (responsible for the most severe form of malaria and the most deaths), P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. Malaria does not currently occur naturally in the UK, but travel-associated cases are reported in those who have returned to the UK or arrived (either as a visitor or migrant to the UK) from malaria-endemic areas . The Malaria Reference Laboratory (Malaria RL) provides laboratory reference and diagnostic parasitology of malaria, and surveillance data on all imported malaria reported in the UK. The laboratory processes on average 2,000 samples per year. The results of this work are used to develop national policy on preventing imported malaria. UKHSA is responsible for commissioning this service on behalf of the NHS, devolved administrations of the UK and the Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention . The Authority's current contract is due to expire on 31st March 2023. The Authority intends to implement a new Contract by 1st April 2023 to ensure the continuation of the service (subject to contract being signed by both parties).

The aim of this RFI is to understand the markets' ability to meet the Authority's needs for this service and deliverables. This is to ensure that there is a consistent and affordable provision of high quality, safe and compliant Malaria sampling service in the UK.

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=a078d000000vkkuAAA&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=