Framework Agreement for DNA, Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

City & County of Swansea is procuring a closed framework for accredited DNA, drug and alcohol testing services that support safeguarding, social care, legal proceedings and associated statutory functions in Swansea. The current Find a Tender update sets the submission deadline at 18 November 2026 at 12:00 noon. The earlier UK4 notice gave 16 November 2026, so bidders should use the updated deadline and current notice.

The enquiry deadline recorded in the notice was 9 November 2026 at 12:00 noon, before the update was published. The framework has two separately biddable lots. Lot 1 covers drug and alcohol testing, including sample collection, chain of custody management, laboratory analysis, interpretation of results, professional reports and expert witness support where required.

Lot 2 covers DNA testing, including sample collection, identity verification, chain of custody management, laboratory analysis, reporting and expert witness support. Suppliers may bid for one or both lots, and Swansea Council intends to appoint no more than three providers to each lot. Call-offs may be made by direct award or through a mini-competition.

The total estimated value is £700,000 excluding VAT and £840,000 including VAT. Each lot is estimated at £350,000 excluding VAT and £420,000 including VAT. The initial framework period runs from 11 January 2027 to 10 January 2032.

Each lot includes an option to extend for up to 24 months, giving a latest stated end date of 10 January 2034. Both lots are evaluated on quality at 75 per cent and price at 25 per cent. The public notice identifies the opportunity as suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises.

It seeks accredited testing providers, but the public notice does not name a particular accreditation or registration body. Bidders should therefore check the procurement documents for the detailed accreditation, evidence and participation conditions before deciding to bid. Electronic tenders may be submitted in Welsh or English.

Tender documents and responses are handled through the eTenderWales JAGGAER portal, not through Sell2Wales. After signing in, suppliers should search for ITT code itt_128023 and the title Framework Agreement for DNA, Drug and Alcohol Testing Services. Care Sync advice: confirm that portal access, required evidence and upload permissions work well before the updated submission deadline.

The procurement reference is CCS/26/257, the current notice is 107123-2026 and the OCID is ocds-h6vhtk-06ee82.