Drug Testing Products and Laboratory Analysis for use within Children's Social Care

Nottinghamshire County Council (The Council) is seeking tenders for Drug Testing Products and Laboratory Analysis for use within Children's Social Care as described in the service specification. By undertaking 'point-of-care' testing, social workers in Children's Social Care (CSC) can screen parents / carers during home visits where there are concerns about substance misuse, with follow-up evidence tests in cases of a positive result. In a similar manner, testing for alcohol may be undertaken where a reasonable suspicion of excessive intoxication exists. Hair strand testing is also used by the Local Authority, usually in Care Proceedings, to determine longer term substance misuse / misuse history. The results of these tests can then provide evidence in safety and wellbeing decision-making for the best interested of a child or young person. In addition to tests in respect of substance misuse the Local Authority, usually in Care Proceedings, also commissions DNA paternity testing, results from these tests are used to inform assessments and care planning in respect of vulnerable children. The initial term of this contract will be three years with the option to extend for a further two years in increments of up to 12 months

The agreement will cover the requirements of the Council for the following two categories; 1. Social Care staff administered testing kits & consumables, with associated testing services. 2. Specialist testing services, & professional services. Suppliers bidding for lot 1, must also be able to offer services for both lots. The council expects to be able to satisfy its requirements through the framework but will reserve the right to purchase outside it , if for instance we are sharing the costs in court and the judge decides to use another Supplier, or if the other party has secured the service at better value. The framework will also be open to be used by other Commissioning Authorities in the East midlands region.