National Specialist Medicines Service (NSMS) Contract

NHS England is seeking service providers for the National Specialist Medicines Service (NSMS) contract running from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030, with a potential 12-month extension to 31 March 2031. The contract is worth £36,000,000 ex VAT over the initial 3-year term, with an additional £1,000,000 per annum available for ad hoc work. The service will support NHS implementation of medicines policies and priorities by developing cost-effective, standardised tools and processes for local adoption. Key responsibilities include: providing expert clinical quality assurance in medicines technical services; delivering clinical support for frontline service delivery; enabling strategic commissioning of medicines-related services; and providing clinical and cost-effective medicines use information at local and national levels. The contract is divided into five separate Lots that can be bid on individually: Lot 1 Medicines Procurement (£3m annually), Lot 2 Quality Assurance (£3m annually), Lot 3 Medicines Optimisation (£1m annually), Lot 4 Safer Medicines Use (£1m annually), and Lot 5 Co-ordination (£1m annually). The service aims to reduce duplication, improve patient access to treatment, and allow clinicians more time with patients. The tender opens via the NHSE e-procurement portal (Atamis) and remains open for approximately 60 days. Bidders must register on the Central Digital Platform and submit clarification questions through the portal for project C403537.