Packaging Standardisation for NHS Test & Trace

NHS Test and Trace is the national organisation under the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) responsible for conducting Covid-19 testing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

NHS Test and Trace is seeking to procure the packaging requirements for the kitting of test kits specifically for the Home Channel, with continuity of supply being fundamental during this transition period.

The ambition of NHS Test and Trace is to ensure that everyone who needs a test in the UK has access to one. The Home Channel is one of a number of convenient channels helping to facilitate Covid-19 testing. To support the Home Channel, NHS Test and Trace are looking to standardise the packaging requirements for the test kits to move to a more effective and economic packaging solution that can protect test kits in transport to homes as well as meeting the legal requirements to safely transport samples returned to test laboratories. This packaging also needs to be handled efficiently at laboratories to maximise testing throughput. Based on lab and end user feedback Test and Trace have designed a packaging solution to meet the requirements of the Home Test Channel. It includes an individual test kit cardboard box, a tamper seal, a double grip seal leakproof bag and an absorbent sheet to protect against leaks. The volume is anticipated to be approximately 2.4M individual test kits, kitted per month.

Pre-engagement activity: We intend to run an initial supplier engagement event including a Webinar and RFI (prior to the issue of the tender) on Thursday 20th May at 10am. The webinar is intended to provide those who may be interested in participating in this procurement with details of the outline business case and proposed procurement approach. The RFI is for the Authority to collect feedback on the packaging design (the practicalities of the design and the technical capacity to manufacture).

In order to attend the webinar, please use the following link to register on https://www.eventbrite.com/e/market-engagement-event-standardised-packaging-test-trace-tickets-154666717315

The RFI will be published prior to the webinar on our e-Procurement system, Atamis. Please register with your interest by Thursday 24th April using the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome Select "Find Opportunities" and then select the Packaging Standardisation for NHS Test & Trace opportunity. Once you have selected the Opportunity, press the "Register Interest" button to register your interest.

Please note that all future correspondence for the event will be our e-Procurement System.