UKHSA Commercial and Partnerships
This guidance is designed to help UKHSA customers and partners to navigate engaging and working with us and to signpost upcoming events and opportunities.
About us
We deliver an end-to-end commercial service to support health security for the UK. This begins at the idea stage and then works through design, delivery, performance and exit so that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) obtains maximum impact and value for money.
We procure, store and distribute vaccines and countermeasures. We drive value for public money through competition and ensure maximum impact from the services UKHSA provides. We ensure fairness and transparency in our use of public money.
Our teams specialise in procurement, contract management, business development, commercial strategy development, market engagement and analysis, and strategic relationship management.
How to engage with UKHSA
We are working to build an environment in which UKHSA and companies can work together effectively and exchange ideas, knowledge and skills.
We engage with industry in a variety of ways. Our events and activities provide opportunities for suppliers to establish productive relationships with industry experts, our programmes and delivery teams and members of the wider supply community.
We aim to run workshops throughout the year to share the plans and objectives of our programmes and to get feedback from industry on our approach and its impact on suppliers and the market. We will run working groups that contribute directly to our team’s work and will also run webinars and requests for information (RFI) because we understand that these help industries plan, prepare for potential opportunities and provide input into our products and services.
Marketing engagement events
We run webinars, open days and events that give insights into our work, opening doors and conversations with current and future partners. We will be posting up links to our events here, so please watch this space.
Strategies and guidance
UKHSA strategy
This plan outlines UKHSA’s goals and strategic priorities for the next 3 years to protect the nation’s health from current and future threats.
UKHSA strategic plan 2023 to 2026
Science strategy
This strategy outlines the scientific assets, capabilities and ambitions of UKHSA, and our plan to protect the nation’s health from current and future health threats.
UKHSA science strategy 2023 to 2033: securing health and prosperity
Commercial strategy
This 5-year strategy sets out the innovative commercial practice needed to deliver UKHSA’s mission, goals and strategic plan. It reflects our core values as a public health agency and overarching purpose to improve the UK’s health security.
A commercial strategy for UK Health Security Agency
Commercial opportunities
UKHSA works with a wide range of commercial partners from early collaboration to buying finished products.
UKHSA buys a wide range of goods, services and works. Our areas of spend include:
- vaccines and countermeasures
- diagnostics tools
- technology and digital services
- resourcing and recruitment
- professional services
- laboratory infrastructure
- laboratory maintenance services
- laboratory equipment and consumables
- logistics
UKHSA’s commercial directorate’s vision is to provide best-in-class commercial expertise, which:
- delivers timely goods and services
- maximises value for money and impact
- is fully aligned to the UK government’s priorities
We tender contracts in accordance with UK procurement legislation that ensures open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes.
The commercial function is measured against the government’s commercial operating standards, which assesses all government departments against a common set of standards and indicators.
UKHSA pipeline
Our pipeline provides a forward look at potential commercial activity within UKHSA.
This is the latest pipeline of activity, released in May 2024.
Led by our Commercial Directorate, UKHSA is developing the commercial programme pipeline for the financial year 2024 to 2025 and beyond, in line with departmental transformation. As a result, UKHSA is only able to publish known corporate commercial activity valued at over £2 million. Any significant future changes will be published iteratively.
UKHSA makes no commitment that the:
- requirements identified in these tables will be procured
- annual value of any contract will be as stated
- timing of any future procurement exercises will be as stated
- sourcing route for any subsequent procurements will be as stated
- published pipeline is comprehensive and includes all the UKHSA future commercial activity
UKHSA frameworks and dynamic purchasing system (DPS)
Consumables reagents and equipment DPS – C23555
| Description | Link | Contract duration |
|---|---|---|
| DPS covering 5 categories of labs, consumables and equipment including PCR testing managed services and service and maintenance | The contract notice on the Find a Tender service: consumables reagents and equipment DPS. Potential suppliers in Atamis. |
26 April 2021 to 25 April 2025. |
National Microbiology Framework – C39348
| Description | Link | Contract duration |
|---|---|---|
| UKHSA has established a microbiology framework comprising of 4 distinct lots. This framework is closed and we cannot accept any further suppliers. | There is no link to this as the framework is closed to any further suppliers. | Lot 1: 9 April 2021 to March 2025 Lot 2: 23 April 2021 to March 2025 Lot 3: 9 April 2021 to March 2025 Lot 4: 22 March 2021 to March 2025 |
Assisted testing framework contract – C50350
| Description | Link | Contract duration |
|---|---|---|
|
DHSC has tendered for a 4-year, UK-wide Framework to cover assisted testing requirements for the authority (DHSC and other contracting authorities). This framework is for the provision of assisted testing services (ATS) to support the authority with outbreaks of viruses or diseases that require a testing programme. As part of this framework, the government’s Test and Trace programme aims to deliver comprehensive ATS across all 4 nations. The fully managed ATS are for any type of test site or location across the UK allowing for any test devices or technologies. The services include, but are not limited to: • provision of ATS • training of own workforce or third parties • support of pilots and service evaluation of test devices • SOP development and deployment of the different roles individually |
DHSC assisted testing framework: Salesforce. | 5 March 2021 to 6 October 2025 |
UKHSA and government procurement policy
Social value
This note sets out how to take account of social value in the award of central government contracts by using the Social Value Model. UKHSA will use this model to take account of the additional social benefits that can be achieved in the delivery of its contracts, using policy outcomes aligned with this government’s priorities.
Sustainability
We practice sustainable procurement to achieve value for money while minimising environmental damage and waste.
Integrity in business
UK companies that do business with integrity are better positioned to reduce risks and capitalise on commercial opportunities. This means complying with the UK Bribery Act and ensuring local partners, agents and distributors adhere to the same high standards. It also means being vigilant for modern slavery and other human rights abuses, both in operations and supply chains, in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Companies that make integrity core to their business protect and strengthen brand reputation enjoy greater and more sustainable commercial success over the long-term, minimising the risk of prosecution.
Tackling bribery and corruption creates more prosperous and healthy communities and a better business environment. It also enables the UK to maintain its status as a global leader in the fight against corruption.
UKHSA staff engaged in procurement have a duty to act in a professional and impartial manner and to be mindful of the Bribery Act 2010. We expect our suppliers to act in accordance with this.
The Ministry of Justice has published extensive guidance on the Bribery Act. Transparency International has also published guidance for business on how to resist demands for bribes.
External collaborations
At UKHSA, we’re well-known for our cutting-edge scientific research and unwavering commitment to public health. But we believe the most impactful solutions come through collaboration. That’s why we actively partner with leading academic institutions, global industry innovators, and the wider international health and science community.
Collaborative research for real-world results
We work closely with both UK-based and international partners on a broad range of research projects. By combining our expertise with yours, we can tackle complex challenges and develop innovative solutions that truly make a difference.
UKHSA’s extensive resources at your fingertips
As your partner, you’ll gain access to our unique range of resources and capabilities. This includes:
- UKAS-accredited clinical diagnostic testing: our laboratories offer advanced testing with whole genome sequencing and clinical reference services
- vaccine development and evaluation: from discovery to real-world impact, the vaccine development journey is a marathon, and our team helps equip your scientists with the expertise and provides the facilities to navigate each step
- environmental sampling and risk assessment: We can identify and assess potential risks from radiation, chemicals, air pollution and more
- expert consultancy: benefit from our unparalleled knowledge in areas like public health systems development, laboratory systems (including quality assurance), high-containment facilities (CL-4), radiation protection, and mass gathering medicine and diagnostics
- technology licensing: our proactive business development team can help you license UKHSA-developed technologies to benefit public health
- accredited training: expand your team’s knowledge with our broad range of accredited training programs, from dental X-ray protection to laboratory biosafety; courses are available both in-person and online through our Future Learn partnership
National Laboratory Alliance: A network of expertise
As part of the National Laboratory Alliance (NLA), UKHSA collaborates with 10 other UK research establishments. This powerful network fosters:
- shared best practices: we learn from each other, continuously improving our services and expertise
- strategic collaboration: we tackle complex challenges together, achieving greater impact
- resource optimization: we leverage our combined resources for maximum efficiency
- professional development: our own scientists benefit from a wider range of development opportunities
Ready to partner for public health?
We believe global collaboration with industry and leading organisations is key to protecting and improving public health. If you share our vision, we invite you to contact us at business@ukhsa.gov.uk to discuss potential commercial partnerships and explore how we can work together to achieve your scientific goals.
Evaluation of lateral flow antigen tests
If you have a test that meets the prioritisation criteria for validation, visit Lateral flow validation prioritisation criteria for rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens and submit details of the test via email to supplierengagement@ukhsa.gov.uk
Finance
How we pay supply partners
All central government departments are required to pay 90% of undisputed invoices within 5 days. You need to be aware of the prompt payment procedures to achieve this. This includes Procurement Policy Note 07/20, which sets out how payment approaches can be taken into account in the procurement of major government contracts.
Invoices
For invoices, ensure the details in the invoice contain the UKHSA-issued PO number and are addressed as follows:
UK Health Security Agency
Accounts Payable
Manor Farm Road
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
VAT registration number: GB 888 851 648
Such invoices should be emailed to payables@ukhsa.gov.uk
Our relationships with external suppliers in the UK and internationally are enormously important to us – should you have any queries on the information provided above, or in relation to invoicing UKHSA, email procuretopay@ukhsa.gov.uk
Contact us
For any queries relating to commercial aspects, email supplierengagement@ukhsa.gov.uk
Last updated 8 May 2024 + show all updates
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Updated text and attachments.
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Added link to terms and conditions of business.
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Updated UKHSA pipeline section.
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Added more details about the UKHSA Conference 2023.
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Added link to 2023 UKHSA conference.
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Added link to UKHSA strategy and updated Market engagement events section.
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Updated information on evaluation of lateral flow antigen tests.
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Updated UKHSA pipeline section.
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Updated pipeline documents.
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Updated pipeline documents.
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Added information about events and commercial opportunities.
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First published.