In Vitro Testing Services

There is a requirement to procure a service for in-vitro testing of psychoactive substances to support the implementation of the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016). This testing cannot be carried out by any of the current Home Office forensic providers as it involves complex pharmacological testing on immobilised cloned human cells against suspected psychoactive substances for which the current suppliers do not have the capability.

Purchase of testing services for 6 substances now, and more substances may need to be tested if they are identified in the course of police investigation. It is estimated that 25 substances in total may be tested this year (year ending 31 March 2018.) and pricing is based on this volume. The market will be continually monitored for changes in supplier capability and where additional testing is required and further market opportunity exists then a competition will be run to cater for any potential future demand.