Laboratory IT Systems

By publishing this Contract Notice, UK Biobank (“UKB”) is inviting requests to participate in its procurement for the design and implementation of new laboratory IT systems (the “Systems”) to support the next phase of UKB’s laboratory operations. UKB is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing genetic, lifestyle and health information from half a million UK participants.

UKB’s database, which includes blood samples, heart and brain scans and genetic data of the 500,000 volunteer participants, is globally accessible to approved researchers who are undertaking health-related research that is in the public interest. Funding to support purchase of the Systems has been budgeted by UKRI, and announced by both UKRI, and HM Treasury.

UKB (www.ukbiobank.ac.uk) is a company limited by guarantee and a registered UK charity established by its two founding funders: the Medical Research Council and Wellcome. It is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing genetic, lifestyle and health information from half a million UK Participants.

UKB is globally accessible to approved researchers undertaking health-related research that is in the public interest. UKB is responsible for the safe preservation and scientific exploitation of a collection of over 17 million samples (plasma, serum, buffy coat, extracted DNA, urine and saliva) that are accessible for approved use by academic and industry researchers.

About 11 million samples are stored at -80°C across an automated storage system and other manual freezers at UKB’s headquarters in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The remaining 6 million Samples are stored in vapour phase liquid nitrogen tanks at a backup site in the South of England.

UKB is inviting requests to participate in its procurement for the design and implementation of the Systems, data migration from existing legacy systems, testing, commissioning, training, hypercare support and, if required by UKB, the provision of consultancy services in relation to the Systems on an ad hoc basis. UKB envisages that its requirements can be met and the Systems can be delivered through a combination of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software packages managed through configuration, and complemented by bespoke services.

UKB requires a licence and standard support services for any COTS software. This will either be included as part of the contract with the successful tenderer or through an additional contract between UKB and the COTS vendor.

The Systems will be required to support UKB laboratory operations when they move to a new purpose-built facility in the City of Manchester in the North West of England in 2026, UKB expects to take ownership for ongoing delivery of the Systems on completion of the phased implementation and will require the Service Provider to collaborate closely with the UKB technical team to ensure a successful implementation and hand-over. The current Laboratory Information Management System data stored in the legacy systems is approximately 110GB across over 160 tables.

The Systems must be capable of managing 30 million samples in the near term and have the capacity to expand to accommodate 60 million within the next 15 years. Further detail in relation to the requirements for the Systems and support services are set out in the specification provided as part of the procurement documents.

Additional information: UK Biobank intends to hold a virtual information session for shortlisted tenderers. The time and final details will be confirmed to shortlisted tenderers.