Tender for the provision of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Testing to the NHS England area

NHS England intends to commission Framework Agreements with multiple Framework Providers on behalf of its CCG authorities, to carry out testing for latent Tuberculosis (TB) infection. The procurement is split into a number of regional lots across England so as to provide maximum flexibility to both the Commissioner and bidders, based on the corresponding TB Control Region.

NHS England on behalf of its Authority(s) anticipates that it will enter into a Framework Agreement with a maximum of 3 Framework Providers for each regional lot. The Collaborative Tuberculosis Strategy for England: 2015 to 2020 (‘the Strategy’) published in January 2015 by NHS England and Public Health England (PHE), set out approaches to be taken to support TB prevention, treatment and control.

This includes the setting up of TB Control Boards to plan, oversee, support and monitor all aspects of local TB control. The Control Boards will have representation from CCGs, NHS England, Public Health England, local authorities, local TB service providers and others.

However, the formal responsibility for commissioning NHS TB services will continue to rest with CCGs. LTBI can be diagnosed by a single, validated blood test (interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)), and is usually treated with antibiotics, preventing active TB disease in the future.

Where patients’ test results show that they are LTBI positive, treatment is offered via referral to an appropriate TB service. The service to be provided includes: • arrangements for the collection of the sample from the phlebotomy source • handling and processing within the specified time limits of the test assay being employed • the provision and analysis of the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test for identification of LTBI. • standard operating procedures for the laboratory analysis • interpretation and reporting and feedback of the results and: • the monitoring of quality and turnaround times.

The framework duration will be for an initial period of 3 years, with the option to extend for a further period of 12 months. The service commencement date is anticipated to be in the period between the 13th November to 10th December 2015.

To formally express interest in the interim provision of the service, and receive full details, please respond through the In-Tend portal at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/scwcsu/aspx/Home. The closing date for the expression of interest is 21st September 2015, and the closing date for submission of tenders is midday on 22nd September 2015.