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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Digital Dictation, Speech/Voice Recognition, Outsourced Transcription and associ

NHS Commercial Solutions · Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 30 Sept 2026, 02:01.

Opportunity overview

This is a replacement of the existing NHS England endorsed FWA. NHS England is heavily invested in initiatives that improve patient outcomes and relieving pressure on hospitals. There is a growing need for Digital Dictation, Speech/Voice Recognition, Outsourced Transcription, and associated services in the NHS. These technologies offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and reducing administrative burdens, which are crucial for an organization facing high demand and striving for digital transformation. The ongoing development of AI and cloud-based solutions will likely further enhance the capabilities and adoption of these services within the NHS. There will be continuous need for the service as Contracting Authorities are aligning with the NHSE initiative to push for digital tools, including transcription services, to help manage the high volume of documentation efficiently. The market is dynamic and there will be need for Contracting Authorities and service providers to align with the changing regulations. For the past 4 (four) years 14 Trusts procured the services captured under the proposed FWA amounted to £9,575,319.00. £2,235,563.00 from 8 Trusts went through the FWA which is 23% of the total spend. There is a big opportunity to channel this entire spend through NHSCS FWA which secures compliance as well as value for money solutions. The framework will be divided into 6 lots, as follows: Lot 1: Products and/or Services Catalogue Lot 2: Digital Dictation service solution with AI Technology Lot 3 Digital Dictation service solution without AI Technology Lot 4: Outsourced transcription service solution with AI Technology Lot 5 Outsourced transcription service solution without AI Technology Lot 6: Managed service solution The beneficiaries of the services are NHS Patients receiving Healthcare Services, service users or Citizens within a Local or Central Government organisation within the wider Public Sector Organisations.

Classification

  • CPV32332100 — Dictating machines
  • CPV32342450 — Voice recorders
  • CPV32344110 — Voice-logging system
  • CPV48311000 — Document management software package
  • CPV48314000 — Voice recognition software package
  • CPV48517000 — IT software package
  • CPV48900000 — Miscellaneous software package and computer systems
  • CPV72000000 — IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
  • CPV72212000 — Programming services of application software
  • CPV72212314 — Voice recognition software development services
  • CPV72250000 — System and support services
  • CPV72268000 — Software supply services
  • CPV72300000 — Data services
  • CPV72317000 — Data storage services
  • CPV72610000 — Computer support services
  • CPV72800000 — Computer audit and testing services
  • CPV79550000 — Typing, word-processing and desktop publishing services
  • CPV79551000 — Typing services
  • CPV79993000 — Building and facilities management services

Lots

  • Lot 1: Products and/or Services Catalogue£66.7m
  • Lot 2 Digital Dictation service solution with AI Technology£66.7m
  • Lot 3 Digital Dictation service solution without AI Technology£66.7m
  • Lot 4: Outsourced transcription service solution with AI Technology£66.7m
  • Lot 5 Outsourced transcription service solution without AI Technology£66.7m
  • Lot 6: Managed service solution£66.7m

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
C361880
Status
planned
Above Threshold
Yes
Procurement Method
open
Main Procurement Category
services
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Lot Details

Award criteria

Description
This is a replacement of the existing NHS England endorsed FWA. NHS England is heavily invested in initiatives that improve patient outcomes and relieving pressure on hospitals. There is a growing need for Digital Dictation, Speech/Voice Recognition, Outsourced Transcription, and associated services in the NHS. These technologies offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and reducing administrative burdens, which are crucial for an organization facing high demand and striving for digital transformation. The ongoing development of AI and cloud-based solutions will likely further enhance the capabilities and adoption of these services within the NHS. There will be continuous need for the service as Contracting Authorities are aligning with the NHSE initiative to push for digital tools, including transcription services, to help manage the high volume of documentation efficiently. The market is dynamic and there will be need for Contracting Authorities and service providers to align with the changing regulations. For the past 4 (four) years 14 Trusts procured the services captured under the proposed FWA amounted to £9,575,319.00. £2,235,563.00 from 8 Trusts went through the FWA which is 23% of the total spend. There is a big opportunity to channel this entire spend through NHSCS FWA which secures compliance as well as value for money solutions. The framework will be divided into 6 lots, as follows: Lot 1: Products and/or Services Catalogue Lot 2: Digital Dictation service solution with AI Technology Lot 3 Digital Dictation service solution without AI Technology Lot 4: Outsourced transcription service solution with AI Technology Lot 5 Outsourced transcription service solution without AI Technology Lot 6: Managed service solution The beneficiaries of the services are NHS Patients receiving Healthcare Services, service users or Citizens within a Local or Central Government organisation within the wider Public Sector Organisations.

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Type
open
Description
This is a replacement of the existing NHS England endorsed FWA. NHS England is heavily invested in initiatives that improve patient outcomes and relieving pressure on hospitals. There is a growing need for Digital Dictation, Speech/Voice Recognition, Outsourced Transcription, and associated services in the NHS. These technologies offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and reducing administrative burdens, which are crucial for an organization facing high demand and striving for digital transformation. The ongoing development of AI and cloud-based solutions will likely further enhance the capabilities and adoption of these services within the NHS. There will be continuous need for the service as Contracting Authorities are aligning with the NHSE initiative to push for digital tools, including transcription services, to help manage the high volume of documentation efficiently. The market is dynamic and there will be need for Contracting Authorities and service providers to align with the changing regulations. For the past 4 (four) years 14 Trusts procured the services captured under the proposed FWA amounted to £9,575,319.00. £2,235,563.00 from 8 Trusts went through the FWA which is 23% of the total spend. There is a big opportunity to channel this entire spend through NHSCS FWA which secures compliance as well as value for money solutions. The framework will be divided into 6 lots, as follows: Lot 1: Products and/or Services Catalogue Lot 2: Digital Dictation service solution with AI Technology Lot 3 Digital Dictation service solution without AI Technology Lot 4: Outsourced transcription service solution with AI Technology Lot 5 Outsourced transcription service solution without AI Technology Lot 6: Managed service solution The beneficiaries of the services are NHS Patients receiving Healthcare Services, service users or Citizens within a Local or Central Government organisation within the wider Public Sector Organisations.
Buyer Categories
The Framework Agreement will be accessible by a number of organisations (each a “Participating Organisation” or “Contracting Authority”). The Framework Agreement will be accessible by all NHS and Public Sector organisations within the UK, including Universities and Education Authorities where they are funded by Public Fund (each a “Contracting Authority”).
Is Open Framework Scheme
Yes
Open Framework Scheme End Date
19 Jan 2034, 23:59

Buyer Location Restrictions

Entry 1

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UK
Entry 2

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKC
Entry 3

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKD
Entry 4

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKF
Entry 5

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKG
Entry 6

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKH
Entry 7

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKJ
Entry 8

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKK
Entry 9

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKL
Entry 10

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKL1
Entry 11

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKL14
Entry 12

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKL2
Entry 13

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM
Entry 14

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM5
Entry 15

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM7
Entry 16

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM8
Entry 17

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM9
Entry 18

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

IE
Entry 19

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

IE0
Entry 20

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKN
Entry 21

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKN0
Entry 22

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKM91

Expected award period

Ends
9 Jan 2026, 23:59

Tender Period

Ends
3 Dec 2025, 12:00

Communication

Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2025, 23:59

Enquiry period

Ends
26 Nov 2025, 12:00

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Participation Fees

Entry 1
Id
ocds-h6vhtk-05165a
Description
1%. NHSCS are a self-funded, not for profit NHS organisation and do not look to make a profit out of the framework as some other organisations do. Any surplus in ABI also gets passed back to NHS Commercial Solutions member Trusts.

Type

win

Relative Value

Proportion
0.01
Monetary Value
award

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Lot 1: Products and/or Services Catalogue
Status
planned
Description
Lot 1, offers a catalogue of Hardware, Software and Consultancy Services. Hardware will include but not be limited to Dictaphone, voice recording devices, docking, peripherals, accessories, IT equipment. Software will include but not be limited to licenses, software for Speech/Voice recognition, work-flow, support and maintenance. Services may include consultancy day/hourly rates for planning, implementation, developing interfacing, support, troubleshooting and maintenance

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Lot 2 Digital Dictation service solution with AI Technology
Status
planned
Description
Lot 2 of this framework will offer a Digital Dictation service solution with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology which will enhance the traditional process of recording audio for transcription by integrating intelligent features. Instead of solely relying on human transcriptionists, AI-powered digital dictation systems can automatically transcribe speech to text with increasing accuracy. Software will include but not be limited to licenses, software for Speech/Voice recognition, work-flow, interfacing, speech recognition engine, externally or internally hosted solution (cloud based), insourced and outsourced HR and Consultancy services, support and maintenance. Services may include consultancy day/hourly rates for planning, implementation, developing interfacing, support, troubleshooting and maintenance.

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Lot 3 Digital Dictation service solution without AI Technology
Status
planned
Description
Lot 3 of this framework will offer a Digital Dictation service solution which will enable clinicians to securely record their verbal notes, which can then be efficiently routed for transcription or speech recognition processing, ultimately streamlining the documentation workflow and contributing to improved patient care and operational efficiency. The digital dictation system will meet the diverse needs of clinical staff across the Contracting Authority, providing a robust, user-friendly, and integrated solution for the creation of clinical documentation. Software will include but not be limited to licenses, software for Speech/Voice recognition, work-flow, interfacing, speech recognition engine, externally or internally hosted solution (cloud based), insourced and outsourced HR and Consultancy services, support and maintenance. Services may include consultancy day/hourly rates for planning, implementation, developing interfacing, support, troubleshooting and maintenance

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
Lot 4: Outsourced transcription service solution with AI Technology
Status
planned
Description
Lot 4 will offer outsourced transcription service that primarily utilizes Artificial Intelligence for rapid initial transcription of audio and video files across various languages. The solution must offer a secure platform for file upload and delivery, include features like speaker identification and timestamping, and ideally provide an intuitive interface for both users and human editors.

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00
Entry 5
Id
5
Title
Lot 5 Outsourced transcription service solution without AI Technology
Status
planned
Description
Lot 5 Offers an outsourced transcription services which may have to integrate with the existing systems or work stand-alone/manually. The solution should operate as a complete workflow solution and as such should include the following functionality as a minimum:a comprehensive system to manage Outsourced Transcription Services; compatible with standard Digital Dictation Services; ability to interface with Patient Administration Systems

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00
Entry 6
Id
6
Title
Lot 6: Managed service solution
Status
planned
Description
Lot 6: Managed service solution includes the scopes from Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 4 and Lot 5

Value

Amount
66,666,667
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
66,800,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
18 Jan 2034, 23:59
Starts
19 Jan 2026, 00:00

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
72000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Entry 2
Id
48314000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recognition software package
Entry 3
Id
32332100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Dictating machines
Entry 4
Id
32342450
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recorders
Entry 5
Id
32344110
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice-logging system
Entry 6
Id
79551000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Typing services
Entry 7
Id
48311000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Document management software package
Entry 8
Id
48517000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT software package
Entry 9
Id
48900000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Miscellaneous software package and computer systems
Entry 10
Id
72300000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Data services
Entry 11
Id
72212314
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recognition software development services
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
79551000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Typing services
Entry 2
Id
32332100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Dictating machines
Entry 3
Id
48314000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recognition software package
Entry 4
Id
72212314
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recognition software development services
Entry 5
Id
48517000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT software package
Entry 6
Id
32344110
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice-logging system
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
79551000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Typing services
Entry 2
Id
48517000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT software package
Entry 3
Id
32332100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Dictating machines
Entry 4
Id
48311000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Document management software package
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
72317000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Data storage services
Entry 2
Id
72610000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Computer support services
Entry 3
Id
72268000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Software supply services
Entry 4
Id
72212000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Programming services of application software
Entry 5
Id
72300000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Data services
Entry 6
Id
48900000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Miscellaneous software package and computer systems
Item 5
Id
5
Related Lot
5

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
79550000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Typing, word-processing and desktop publishing services
Entry 2
Id
72000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Entry 3
Id
32332100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Dictating machines
Entry 4
Id
79551000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Typing services
Entry 5
Id
79993000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Building and facilities management services
Item 6
Id
6
Related Lot
6

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
72300000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Data services
Entry 2
Id
72250000
Scheme
CPV
Description
System and support services
Entry 3
Id
72800000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Computer audit and testing services
Entry 4
Id
72000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Entry 5
Id
72212314
Scheme
CPV
Description
Voice recognition software development services
Entry 6
Id
79993000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Building and facilities management services

Planning and budget

Documents

Entry 1
Id
022400-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK3
Description
Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
plannedProcurementNotice
Published
16 May 2025, 17:53

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Id
GB-PPON-PLDZ-3358-YMVH
Name
NHS Commercial Solutions

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKJ26
Country
GB
Locality
Dorking
Postal Code
RH4 1XA
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
The Atrium, Curtis Road

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
publicAuthorityCentralGovernment
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Description
Public authority - central government

Identifier

Id
PLDZ-3358-YMVH
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Telephone
01306 64 6822

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Dorking · UKJ26 · RH4 1XA · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. ocds-h6vhtk-05165a-2025-05-16T17:53:50+01:00Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender ·