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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST)

NHS England · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 26 Sept 2026, 07:03.

Opportunity overview

NHS England Workforce, Training and Education is seeking to re-procure the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) academic delivery programme. There are 13 lots within this procurement Suppliers may bid for more than one lot The initial contract term shall be five (5) years. The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years in accordance with the Contract. Following expiry of the Initial Term or any Extension Term, the contract may continue solely for the purposes of any applicable Run-Off Period, exit and transition arrangements, and any other provisions which expressly or by implication survive expiry or termination, as set out in the Contract (Document 4 Terms & Conditions). Total funding available is £42,186,230.80 . This will train up to 1277 learners across all lots. The maximum price per learner for the 5 years course is: Life Sciences: £25,275.60 per learner (excluding VAT) Non-Life Sciences: £37,915.00 per learner (excluding VAT) The deadline for submission of completed ITT submissions is 4th September 2026 at 12:00pm (midday). Late submissions will not be accepted therefore, please submit in good time prior to the deadline date and time. All communications should be made via the messaging function on the e-Tendering portal during the tender exercise. The Contracting Authority requests that all communications are channelled through the e-portal system and not with the Contracting Authority itself other than as expressly permitted within this ITT. Further information relating to this project can be found at NHSE e-tendering portal at the link below. All clarification questions and submission bids must be received via this portal only. Registration is free of charge. https://health-family-contract-search.secure.force.com/?SearchType=Projects

Classification

  • CPV80000000 — Education and training services
  • CPV80300000 — Higher education services
  • CPV80561000 — Health training services

Lots

  • Lot 1a£4.2m
  • Lot 1b£1.8m
  • Lot 1c£1.7m
  • Lot 2a£3.5m
  • Lot 2b£4.3m
  • Lot 2c£2.9m
  • Lot 3a£1.8m
  • Lot 3b£1.5m
  • Lot 3c£1.6m
  • Lot 4a£2.6m
  • Lot 5a£7.1m
  • Lot 6a£2.7m
  • Lot 6b£6.6m

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
C455947
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
To express interest and participate in the tender, please register and apply via Atamis e-sourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at: Phone: 0800 9956035 E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk
Has Recurrence
Yes
Published risks
The estimated value of contracts awarded following this procurement process are based upon modelled student numbers and historic data. Student numbers may fluctuate over the life of the contracts and therefore the individual contract values may increase or decrease over the contracted period. The price per student is fixed for this requirement and an increase or decrease in student numbers will have no impact on the price per student cost. Therefore, there is the possibility that a modification under the Materialisation of Known Risk ground may be required at some point during the life of the contract. The estimated contract values awarded following this procurement process are based on the prices submitted at contract award. The contracts include provisions for indexation, which may be applied during the contract term in accordance with the agreed contractual mechanism. As the future impact of indexation cannot be determined at the point of award, the total contract values may increase over the life of the contracts. Therefore, there is the possibility that a modification under the Materialisation of a Known Risk ground may be required during the life of the contract to reflect the application of the agreed indexation provisions.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Special regime

lightTouch

Covered By

GPA

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
4 Sept 2026, 12:00

Enquiry period

Ends
24 Aug 2026, 17:00

Expected award period

Ends
22 Oct 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award criteria

Description
Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract. Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Recurrence

Dates

Entry 1
Starts
22 Oct 2026, 23:59

Amendments

Entry 1
Description
Description amended under lot 5a, the places available are 133 not 103
Id
074687-2026

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Lot 1a
Description
Clinical Bioinformatics (Genomics) Non LS Genetic counselling (to be written) LS Genetics LS 129 places over the full 7 years Up to two providers to be appointed
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Identifiers

Entry 1
Id
1a

Value

Including VAT
4,989,539.76
Amount
4,157,949.8
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 2
Id
1b
Title
Lot 1b
Description
Histopathology LS Molecular Pathology of Acquired Disease LS 71 places over the 7 year contract One supplier will be appointed to this lot.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
2,153,481.12
Amount
1,794,567.6
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 3
Id
1c
Title
Lot 1c
Description
Reproductive Science LS 67 places over the 7 year contract One supplier to be appointed ted to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
2,032,158.24
Amount
1,693,465.2
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 4
Id
2a
Title
Lot 2a
Description
Clinical Bioinformatics (Physical Sciences) Non LS Clinical Bioinformatics (Health Informatics) Non LS Clinical Biomedical Engineering Non LS Reconstructive Science Non LS 91 places over the 7 year contract One supplier to be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
4,140,318
Amount
3,450,265
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 5
Id
2b
Title
Lot 2b
Description
Imaging Physics Non LS 113 places over the 7 year contract Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
5,141,274
Amount
4,284,395
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 6
Id
2c
Title
Lot 2c
Description
Radiotherapy Physics Non LS 77 places over the 7 year contract Up to two providers may be appointed to this lot.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
3,503,346
Amount
2,919,455
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 7
Id
3a
Title
Lot 3a
Description
Clinical Biochemistry LS 71 places over the 7 year contract One provider will be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
2,153,481.12
Amount
1,794,567.6
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 8
Id
3b
Title
Lot 3b
Description
Clinical Immunology LS Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics LS 60 places over the 7 year contract One provider may be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,819,843.2
Amount
1,516,536
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 9
Id
3c
Title
Lot 3c
Description
Haematology Clinical Science & Transfusion Science (2 separate specialisms) LS 63 places over the 7 year contract One provider will be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,910,835.36
Amount
1,592,362.8
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 10
Id
4a
Title
Lot 4a
Description
Microbiology and Virology( two separate HSST specialisms) LS 103 places over the 7 year contract Up to two providers may be appointed to this lot.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
3,124,064.16
Amount
2,603,386.8
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 11
Id
5a
Title
Lot 5a
Description
Audiological Science Non LS Neurophysiological Science Non LS Ophthalmic & Vision Sciences Non LS 187 places over the 7 year contract Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
8,508,126
Amount
7,090,105
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 12
Id
6a
Title
Lot 6a
Description
Gastrointestinal Physiology Non LS Respiratory & Sleep Sciences Non LS Urodynamic Sciences Non LS 70 places over the 7 year course Up to two providers will be awarded to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
3,184,860
Amount
2,654,050
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years
Entry 13
Id
6b
Title
Lot 6b
Description
Cardiac Science Non LS Vascular Science Non LS 175 places over the 7 year contract Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
7,962,150
Amount
6,635,125
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
Technical General 50% Technical Lot Specific 30% Social Value 10% Commercial 10%

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Technical (General)
Description
50%
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Technical (lot Specific)
Description
30%
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Social Value
Description
10%
Criterion 4
Type
price
Name
Commercial
Description
10%

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
1 Sept 2027, 00:00
Ends
31 Aug 2032, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Aug 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
1b
Related Lot
1b

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 3
Id
1c
Related Lot
1c

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 4
Id
2a
Related Lot
2a

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 5
Id
2b
Related Lot
2b

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 6
Id
2c
Related Lot
2c

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 7
Id
3a
Related Lot
3a

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 8
Id
3b
Related Lot
3b

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 9
Id
3c
Related Lot
3c

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 10
Id
4a
Related Lot
4a

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 11
Id
5a
Related Lot
5a

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 12
Id
6a
Related Lot
6a

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 13
Id
6b
Related Lot
6b

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80561000
Description
Health training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Entry 2
Id
074687-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
6 Aug 2026, 12:40
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
NHS England
Id
GB-PPON-PDPT-3135-BWWY

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PDPT-3135-BWWY

Address

Street Address
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
Locality
London
Postal Code
SE1 8UG
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKI45

Contact

Name
WTE.COMMERCIALTEAM (NHS ENGLAND)

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

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

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · London · UKI45 · SE1 8UG · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UK · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

4 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

4 VERSIONS
  1. 000682-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 067655-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
  3. 069415-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
  4. 074687-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·