NHS Blood and Transplant has published a procurement opportunity for framework for the supply of solutions, reagents and serums with an estimated value of £738,000. The submission deadline is 18 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-09, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) have a requirement for the Supply of Solutions. NHSBT Laboratories including Tissue and Eye Services (TES), RCI, Donor Testing, H&I, CMT, CBC and IBGRL are specialist functions of National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). The solutions are used for patient and donor testing and within the manufacture of Tissue Grafts and reagents used for blood grouping and patient testing. NHSBT are looking to create a Framework Agreement and intends to award the framework agreement to the two highest-ranked Tenderers, per Lot, following completion of the evaluation process. Suppliers can bid for and be awarded multiple Lots. This requirement will cover the following solutions: • Phosphate Buffered Saline Solution (PBSS) and Concentrate (PBSC) • Low Ionic Strength Solution (LISS) • Cambridge Antibiotic Solution • Skin Cryopreservation Medium • Amniotic Membrane Cryopreservation Medium • Nuclear Buffer Base • Cardiovascular and Meniscus Cryopreservation Medium • Decellularised Dermis Cryopreservation Medium • Modified Alsevers Solution • Frozen cell Recovery Solution

NHS Blood and Transplant is the contracting authority. The estimated value is £738,000 and the deadline is 18 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to healthcare providers, social care organisations, NHS suppliers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, NHS Blood and Transplant must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in health & nhs contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £738,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications
• Capacity to mobilise within NHS Blood and Transplant’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 18 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032566-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 18 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

NHS Blood and Transplant will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing NHS Blood and Transplant’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 18 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires NHS Blood and Transplant to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 18 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032566-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHS Blood and Transplant or the UK government.