Supply & Maintenance of Platelet Agitator and Incubator equipment

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