Supply & Maintenance of Platelet Agitator and Incubator equipment

NHS Blood and Transplant

Published: Aug 27, 2026

Updated: Aug 27, 2026

Source: uk_fts

About This Opportunity

This is a supplies contract in the construction and civil works, information and communication technology and trade and industry sectors, with a focus on Network Infrastructure and Manufacturing. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of GBP 1.5 million.

Published through UK FTS - Find a Tender Service, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for the supply of goods in the construction and civil works sector. Supply contracts typically require bidders to demonstrate product compliance with technical specifications, delivery capacity, and relevant certifications. This is an advance notice — the formal tender is expected to be published shortly. Interested parties can use this time to prepare documentation and identify potential partners.

Description

Background NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is responsible for collecting, processing, testing and supplying blood components to hospitals across England. As part of this role, NHSBT operates a network of blood centres, manufacturing facilities and hospitals services departments that require the safe and compliant storage of platelet components. Platelets must be stored under controlled conditions and maintained under continuous agitation to ensure product quality, safety and compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements (JPAC/BSQR). NHSBT currently utilises Helmer platelet agitators and incubators across its sites to support these activities. Helmer models in operation include: PC4200, PC1200, PC900, PC2200 NHSBT is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement exercise to gain a better understanding of the current market, available technologies, product developments and service models relating to platelet agitators and incubators. The information gathered will help inform the development of the technical specification, procurement strategy and future requirements. Requirements NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is seeking to engage with the market in advance of a potential future procurement for the supply, installation and maintenance of platelet agitator and incubator equipment used for the storage of platelet components within NHSBT facilities. The engagement process seeks to better understand the following (but is not limited to): • Current products and technologies available within the market. • Equipment platelet storage capacity • Configuration options (connectivity to environmental monitoring systems). • Regulatory compliance • Validation support. • Maintenance and servicing arrangements. • Sustainability and energy efficiency considerations • Supply chain resilience and lead times. NHSBT anticipates that the future requirement may include a range of platelet storage solutions across multiple locations and operational settings. These include: • Large floor-standing platelet incubator and agitator systems. • Smaller benchtop platelet agitators and incubators. • Solutions capable of accommodating both agitating and non-agitating platelet storage within the same unit or integrated system. NHSBT requires platelet storage solutions capable of maintaining platelet components in accordance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements, including controlled storage at 20°C to 24°C and continuous agitation where required. NHSBT is seeking feedback from suppliers regarding the availability of such solutions, associated configurations, capacity ranges and any alternative approaches that may offer operational, technical or commercial benefits. Proposed Lot Structure NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is considering a procurement comprising three separate lots. The final lot structure and scope will be informed by the outcome of this Preliminary Market Engagement exercise. Lot 1: Supply and Maintenance of Platelet Incubators and Agitators This lot will include the supply, installation, commissioning, validation support, maintenance and repair of: • Large floor-standing platelet incubator and agitator systems. • Smaller benchtop platelet agitators and incubators. • Associated accessories, spare parts and consumables where applicable. • User training and technical support services. Lot 2: Supply and Maintenance of Dual-Function Platelet Storage Solutions NHSBT are considering a separate lot for this requirement due to limited understanding of the availability of this technology in the market. This lot will include the supply, installation, commissioning, validation support, maintenance and repair of solutions capable of accommodating both agitating and non-agitating platelet storage within the same unit or integrated system. NHSBT is interested in understanding the range of solutions available within the market, including capacity options, operational benefits, monitoring capabilities and maintenance requirements. Lot 3: Maintenance of Existing Platelet Incubators and Agitators This lot will include maintenance and support services for around 170 platelet incubators and agitators currently operated by NHSBT, including: • Preventative maintenance • Calibration to two points as a minimum • Equipment servicing and inspection. • Breakdown and emergency repair services. • Supply of replacement parts. • Technical support

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and was originally published on August 27, 2026. Last refreshed today. Reference: 081832-2026. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About NHS Blood and Transplant

NHS Blood and Transplant has issued 177 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 3 currently open and 137 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Information & Communication Technology, Health & Medical, and Governance & Public Administration. All notices are published for United Kingdom. Notices are distributed via UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and UK Contracts Finder. Most recent publication: August 27, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by NHS Blood and Transplant in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.

What type of contract is this?

This is a Supplies contract in the Construction & Civil Works sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.

What is the estimated budget?

The estimated contract value is £1,500,000 - £1,500,000. Bidders should ensure their proposals are consistent with this range and account for any local taxes and contract execution costs.

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.

How can I submit a bid?

Visit UK FTS - Find a Tender Service to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions. Quote reference 081832-2026 when communicating with the contracting authority.