Portable Low-Field MRI System Supply and Support for Dementia Research

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is seeking to directly award a contract for a portable low-field (0.064 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with associated peripherals, training, support, and maintenance services over five years. The system will support local neuroimaging research focused on dementia assessment and diagnosis, as well as research into other mental health conditions including complex psychosis and non-dementia mental illness across age groups. A key objective is to develop artificial intelligence algorithms for assessing structural brain changes associated with dementia and cognitive decline, reducing reliance on high-field MRI imaging in specialist centres. The required system must be UKCA-marked for UK commercial sale, compact and portable (fitting through standard doorways and elevators), feature a magnetic configuration allowing safe close proximity to participants, operate on standard electrical outlets with low power consumption, have an open design to reduce patient anxiety, and be controllable via portable wireless devices such as tablets. This direct award is published as a Transparency Notice under the Procurement Act 2023. A Contract Award Notice will follow, triggering an eight working day standstill period before contract entry. Final details including dates and values will be confirmed in the Contract Award Notice.