Framework Agreement for DNA, Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

The City & County of Swansea is seeking providers to deliver accredited drug, alcohol and DNA testing services through a new Framework Agreement valued at an estimated £700,000 excluding VAT. The services will support safeguarding, social care, legal proceedings and associated statutory functions across Swansea.

The framework will cover two service lots, with the Council intending to appoint a maximum of three providers to each lot.

Service Lots

The framework is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1 – Drug and Alcohol Testing Services: £350,000 excluding VAT. Services include sample collection, chain of custody management, laboratory analysis, interpretation of results, professional reporting and expert witness support where required.
• Lot 2 – DNA Testing Services: £350,000 excluding VAT. Services include sample collection, identity verification, chain of custody management, laboratory analysis, reporting of results and expert witness support.

Tenderers may submit applications for either or both lots, with no restriction on the number of lots a provider can be awarded. The framework values may be shared across the lots.

Contract Information

• Buyer: City & County of Swansea
• Enquiry Deadline: 9 November 2026, 12:00pm
• Tender Submission Deadline: 16 November 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £700,000 excluding VAT (£840,000 including VAT)
• Delivery Length: Five years initially, from 11 January 2027 to 10 January 2032, with an optional extension of up to 24 months, potentially extending to 10 January 2034
• Tender Reference: CCS/26/257
• ITT Code: itt_128023
• Tender Link: eTenderWales Portal — search for ITT code itt_128023
• Framework Suppliers: Maximum of three providers per lot, with six providers across both lots
• Award Method: Direct award or mini-competition, with or without further competition
• Evaluation Criteria: Quality – 75%; Price – 25%

Supplier Requirements

The framework is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Providers should be able to deliver the relevant accredited testing services, including appropriate sample collection, chain of custody procedures, laboratory analysis and professional reporting. DNA testing providers must also undertake identity verification. Expert witness support is required where specified.

The Council will determine prices through the pricing schedule submitted as part of the tender, unless a specialist requirement applies. The framework will be awarded under an open procedure using the light-touch regime. Tenders may be submitted electronically in English or Welsh.

Commercial Relevance

This opportunity is relevant to accredited medical laboratories, forensic testing providers and specialist organisations delivering drug, alcohol and DNA testing services. Providers with the capability to support safeguarding, social care and legal processes may wish to consider applying for one or both lots to supply Swansea Council over the framework period.

Never Miss a Care Sector Opportunity

From contract opportunities and framework launches to sector news and procurement updates, The Daily Round delivers daily insights designed for care providers, suppliers, and sector leaders.

Sign up to The Daily Round Daily Bulletin to receive the latest opportunities and healthcare procurement news directly to your inbox.

If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news