NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory

England (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of the providers and potential providers within this specialised area. Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest and participate in the market questionnaire which will provide feedback to commissioners. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise. The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach.

Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements. Participation to this market engagement will close at 12 noon of Monday 12th December 2022.

The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:

• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory);
• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered in compliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), in eight main quality assurance areas (shown in the requirements).

The anticipated contract duration for this service is 2 years, with an option to extend the contract by a further 12 month period at the Commissioner's discretion.

It is possible that as a result of this exercise, a formal tender process will not be required but instead a simpler provider selection process will be undertaken. Where it is noted that competition is absent, direct awards may be considered. All providers will be notified of next steps following the conclusion of this market engagement exercise.

NHS England is the contracting and commissioning authority for this service. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link: https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=agcsu

The project reference is 62185 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12 noon Monday 12th December 2022.