Purchase of Drug Testing Equipment and Consumables; Related logistical services; & Laboratory Services for NOMS (MoJ) and National Police Drugs Intervention Programme Consortium (DIP): England and Wales

There is a requirement for the supply of drug testing kits, consumables, research, laboratory analysis and other associated services to NOMS(MoJ) and potentially to the National Police DIP. NOMS(MoJ) require the supply of a urine based drug testing system for use by Prisons across England and Wales; and a point of contact, oral fluid drug testing system for utilisation in the community as well as possibly Police Forces across England and Wales.

The goods and services required:

• Equipment and consumables for urine based drug testing within Prisons for a range of banned substances. The system must show potential to be developed to screen for other substances which may be specified in the future.
• All necessary equipment and consumables for point of contact, oral fluid drug testing in the community. This equipment will need to be capable of screening for Opiates, Cocaine, Cannabis/ Cannabinoids (THC) & Amphetamines as a minimum. The system must be able to accurately analyse oral fluid samples, unequivocally determine a “positive” or “negative” result and enable the result to be interpreted and transmitted with a minimum of error, minimising impact on bureaucracy. The system must show potential to be developed to screen for other illicit substances or novel psychoactive substances which may be specified in the future.
• Should the National Police DIP Consortium be included in this procurement process, they require a point of contact oral fluid testing system that screens for Class A drugs – currently Heroin and Crack-/Cocaine – with flexibility to include other drugs should the list of drugs change.

The system must be able to accurately analyse oral fluid samples, unequivocally determine a “positive” or “negative” result and enable the result to be interpreted and transmitted with a minimum of error, minimising the impact on bureaucracy.

The successful contractor(s) will provide on site training if required and provide comprehensive customer and technical support.

• A fully secure collection and transportation service of samples to a specified laboratory/laboratories for analysis under chain of custody procedures.
• A screening and confirmation laboratory analysis service to provide detailed testing of the collected samples.
• The provision of expert witnesses where necessary to attend legal proceedings; and the provision of expert personnel to provide specialist advice and support to the Authority.
• Research into new and emerging drugs and drug compounds to assist the Authority in keeping updated on the latest illicit substances being used.

Initial thoughts are a four year contract will be awarded, though the Authority reserves the decision on whether this will be a Framework Agreement awarded to successful bidder(s) or a contract awarded to a single bidder is still to be taken.

Engagement with establishments, stakeholders and providers will inform the future procurement and contracting strategy.

Additional information: The MOJ Commercial and Contract Directorate on behalf of NOMS and the National Police Drugs Intervention Programme Consortium (DIP) will be holding a pre-market engagement day on Tuesday May 5th.

This event will be a chance for providers to obtain further information and inform the development of the specification and the contractual arrangements.

Please complete the attached expressions of interest form and return to Ben Harrison to signal your interest.

Please contact Ben Harrison for further details.