Framework for the Provision of Forensic Testing

The Council of the City of Wakefield is establishing a closed framework agreement for forensic testing services, with an estimated total value of £1,700,000 excluding VAT.

The framework will cover DNA, drug and alcohol testing to support decision-making, particularly in relation to safeguarding children and young people. A maximum of six suppliers will be appointed across two lots.

Service Lots

The framework is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1 – DNA Testing: £1,700,000 excluding VAT. Services include DNA testing, with sampling and collection where appropriate.
• Lot 2 – Drug and Alcohol Testing: £1,700,000 excluding VAT. Services include sampling, collection, testing analysis and expert witness reports.

Bidders can apply for one or both lots and may be successful in both. A maximum of three suppliers will be appointed to each lot. The lot values may be shared across the framework and should not be added together to calculate the overall contract value.

Contract Information

• Buyer: The Council of the City of Wakefield
• Deadline: 18 November 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £1,700,000 excluding VAT (£2,040,000 including VAT)
• Delivery Length: Initial two-year term from 1 April 2027 to 30 March 2029, with two possible 12-month extensions, potentially running until 30 March 2031
• Tender Reference: 100115249
• Tender Link: YORtender – Electronic Tendering System
• Framework Suppliers: Maximum of six, with up to three appointed to each lot
• Award Method: Open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023; framework call-offs may be made through direct award or mini-competition

Evaluation Criteria

Both lots will be evaluated using the same published criteria:

• Quality Method Statement Questions: 60%
• Price Assessment: 30%
• Social Value: 10%

Quality and social value together account for 70% of the evaluation, with price accounting for the remaining 30%.

Supplier Requirements

Providers should be able to deliver the relevant forensic testing services for their chosen lot, including sampling, collection and analysis where applicable. Lot 2 also includes expert witness reports.

The framework identifies small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) as particularly suitable participants. Bidders must submit their tenders electronically through the YORtender system using reference 100115249 by the stated deadline.

The closed framework will operate for the appointed suppliers, with call-off opportunities awarded through direct award or mini-competition, in accordance with the Specification and Terms and Conditions.

Commercial Relevance

This opportunity may interest forensic laboratories, DNA testing providers and specialist drug and alcohol testing organisations. The framework offers an opportunity to provide testing services supporting safeguarding and decision-making across Wakefield, with a potential term of up to four years. Suppliers can apply for either or both lots, depending on their service capabilities.

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