Emergency PCR Testing Laboratory Services - Surge Capacity Contract

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is procuring surge laboratory diagnostic testing capacity to rapidly scale COVID-19 and pathogen testing during public health emergencies. Randox Laboratories Limited has been identified as the preferred bidder. The contract operates under two readiness states: Cold State (maintaining operational readiness with 10-week ramp-up capability, no guaranteed volume) and Hot State (fully operational, delivering minimum 100,000 PCR tests per 24 hours when activated by UKHSA). The supplier must have robust infrastructure and processes to transition between states immediately upon notice. There is no minimum test volume; UKHSA controls test kit allocation and sample distribution. The contract value is based on Cold State readiness only, with substantially higher operational costs anticipated during Hot State activation. This is a critical public health service requiring scalable, sustainable, and rapidly mobilisable PCR testing solutions.