Medical imaging services and analysis of imaging to determine chronological age

The Authority is responsible for the processing of asylum claims. This may be from individuals who are claiming to be minors, but who are undocumented and for whom there is reason to have doubts about their claim. The UK is one of only a handful of countries not to use scientific methods to support age assessment. There is a requirement for supplementing current age assessment techniques of young people/ adolescents/young adults, identifying those who are still developing against individuals who have reached physical maturity. We are seeking to supplement current techniques, which are predominantly social worker led assessments, with a scientific technique or combination of techniques. Specifically, the Authority is keen to understand the potential of a medical imaging approach combined with analysis of images to establish chronological age.

The content of this PIN, including the nature of works, services, lots, and estimated value, may be the subject to change.

Additional information: The Authority seeks a partner or partners to provide facilities and operators of medical imaging equipment with subsequent analysis of images to provide the Home Office with scientific estimation of chronological age. It is understood that the use of x-rays are the most common form of imaging technique for these purposes but other methods would not be precluded if they can be demonstrated to be viable and effective and the exact type of x-ray is still to be determined. The partner(s) would provide facilities for the capture of images at one or more locations. Coverage across several sites, providing for broader national coverage would be an advantage. The initial estimate is for a requirement of approximately 1,000 assessments a year, however this figure will fluctuate, potentially significantly, based on unpredictable factors. It is estimated that the contract(s) will be let by mid-2022 for a minimum of three years. The Home Office eSourcing is used for sourcing activities. Please follow the steps below to register your interest:1. To express an interest, participants must first be registered on the Home Office eSourcing Suite. If you have not yet registered, this can be done online at https://homeoffice.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html by following the Register Here Link . Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering and who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so.2. Email: scientificageassessment@homeoffice.gov.uk Title of email: Scientific Age Assessment - Expression of InterestEmail to include: Organisation name, Contact name, E-mail address and telephone number. Once above steps are completed, It is our intention to invite those suppliers that express an interest in this procurement to an early engagement session, subject to parties signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement.The content of this PIN, including the nature of works, services and estimated value, may be the subject to change.