BWC Cloud-based Genomics Platform

Description

Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) is looking to procure a Cloud-based Genomics Platform to support the Trust . Lot 1: 1. Introduction<br/>The West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory (WMRGL), the largest genomics facility in the UK, plays a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge genomic services to over 11 million people across 41 NHS Trusts. However, the service faces significant risks due to rapidly increasing data volumes, the complexity of genomic analyses, and limitations of its current IT infrastructure. This briefing focuses on the urgent need for a cloud-based genomics data management and analysis platform to address these challenges and future-proof operations.<br/>2. Current Situation<br/>WMRGL’s current reliance on ageing local compute and storage infrastructure is no longer sustainable, with the system unable to meet growing data and processing demands, facilitate secure collaboration across the Central and South (C&S) Genomic Laboratory Hub, or support efficient delivery of genomic testing services. These limitations, combined with a lack of ICT support, present a high risk of operational failure.<br/>3. The Solution<br/>A cloud-based genomics platform provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by WMRGL. By leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure, the platform can accommodate the exponential growth of genomic data while facilitating enhanced efficiency, cost savings and robust information security. It also enables seamless collaboration with Central and South GLH partners through secure data sharing and distributed workflows.<br/>4. Procurement<br/>This Pre-Market Engagement exercise is for the Authority to test the market on its given requirements. The route to market for any award is undecided at this stage. Information obtained from this exercise will help identify the most suitable procurement approach and determine whether the Authority's requirements for a cloud-based genomics platform can be met.