AD HOC AUTISM SPECTRUM DIAGNOSTIC (ASD) ASSESSMENTS FOR CHILDREN

The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, has initiated a procurement process for the provision of Ad Hoc Autism Spectrum Diagnostic (ASD) Assessments for children. This falls under the industry category of Health and Social Work Services with a focus on services to reduce waiting lists for children's neurodevelopmental assessments. The process, conducted under the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) Wales Regulations 2025, bypasses the Public Contracts Regulations 2015/Procurement Act 2023.

The procurement stage is at the award update, with the intention to award notice marking the start of the standstill period. The process considers applications until 15th December 2025, targeting locations in the UKL14 region. This procurement tender opens substantial growth opportunities for providers with expertise in ASD assessments, especially those capable of managing specialised, multi-disciplinary assessments in accordance with NICE guidelines.

The value of this contract is set at £4 million, providing a substantial business opportunity for qualified providers, potentially for a three-year term with a possibility of extension by an additional two years. This contract is particularly suited for large-scale providers or consortia capable of delivering specialised, high-quality services, such as the current key players, Healios Limited and Autism Oxford UK Limited. The procurement method follows an open procedure, offering a competitive environment to secure this significant healthcare services contract.