The contractor will be responsible for the provision of all necessary equipment, reagents, consumables, maintenance and training as a laboratory managed service for an automated molecular testing system for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. This will also include all related interfaces, software and upgrades.

It is expected that other Microbiology and Cellular pathology services will be incorporated into this managed service (See VI.3 additional information) during the contract period but this will not include HIV, Hepatitis A, B & C, Syphilis and Rubella screening serology.

Suppliers interested in providing a managed service solution for this molecular detection system must also be capable of providing a complete service for Microbiology and Cellular pathology or be willing to work with, and fully manage any third party suppliers.

The contract will be for a period of 5 years with an option for the Trust to extend for a further 5 years.