Framework for the Provision of Forensic Testing

What the buyer is asking for

The Council would like to establish a Closed Framework Agreement for the Provision of Forensic Testing. Forensic Testing (a term used to cover DNA, drug and alcohol testing) is used to help inform decision making, particularly with regard to the safeguarding of children and young people. The proposed Closed Framework Agreement will run for an initial period of 2 years with the option to extend, on two occasions, each for a 12-month period (2 + 1 + 1). The Closed Framework will be procured via the Open Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 The Closed Framework Agreement will be split into 2 lots, with a maximum of 3 suppliers awarded to each lot: • Lot 1 = DNA Testing • Lot 2 = Drug and Alcohol Testing

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• 60%qualityQuality Method Statement Questions
• 30%pricePrice Assessment
• 10%qualitySocial Value

2 lots

You can usually bid for one lot without bidding for all of them.

• DNA Testing£1.7m

  DNA testing including sampling and collection where appropriate.

• Drug and Alcohol Testing£1.7m

  Drug and alcohol testing includes sampling and collection, testing analysis and expert witness reports.

How contested is this?

Buyers publish how many bids they received. Across 244 comparable procurements we can tell you the typical field size, how often one of these goes uncontested, and whether the buyer awards on price or on quality.

Timeline

3 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice published18 days ago

   19 Oct 2026, 17:52 BST
2. Submission deadlinein 12 days

   18 Nov 2026, 12:00 GMT
3. Award decision expected byin 146 days

   1 Apr 2027, 23:59 BST

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender

1. Tender notice19 Oct 2026, 17:52 BST098704-2026

Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender