Biorepository Services

Description

Genomics England is looking for supplier(s) to support future sample storage and processing needs, as part of our long-term strategy. The following programmes are dependent on the biorepository (sample storage and processing) service provision: • National Genomic Research Library - storing DNA and other omic samples from participants in the 100,000 Genomes Project to support ongoing research is a key element of its value and potential to bring clinical benefit to the participants themselves and support broader learnings. • Diverse Data – aims to address the gap in diversity in genomic research to help reduce health inequalities and improve patient outcomes within genomic medicine. • Newborn Genomes Programme - a research study exploring the benefits, challenges, and practicalities of offering whole genome sequencing (WGS) to all newborns to accelerate diagnosis and access to treatments for rare genetic conditions. • Cancer 2.0 - exploring two innovative technologies long-read sequencing and multimodal data to o support earlier, faster diagnosis of cancer The Newborn Genomes Programme and the Cohorts Programme is also entering a period of strategic review and a wider Genomics England Research Strategy is currently being developed , both of which will likely impact future requirements for collecting and storing samples and making these accessible for further research use. We are now in a position to Identify the wider sample storage/usage strategy with a view to inform the future operational and commercial direction. Lot 1: To support delivery of Genomics England's future organisational vision of Accelerating Genomic Research, there is a requirement for appropriate service delivery partners to help us meet our long term objectives, with a biorepository/sample processing partner being a key part of successful delivery. The overall scope includes: • Ad hoc sample retrieval requests from existing storage/archive including processing requests such as RNA extraction work as required • Additional service requirements such as DNA extractions from a variety of sample sources such as cord blood, capillary blood, buffy coat, buccal swabs, saliva and tissues as required. • Need to facilitate storage and archiving of new sample collections and timely sample receipt, various quality control steps, normalisation and plating of samples. • Potential to implement new processes/procedures/pilots as required by Genomics England based on future research needs over time • [potentially] Continuous sample storage and archiving requirements for existing samples (~300k) Key deliverables of the project are: Technology • Sample storage, tracking and processing capabilities that meet expected requirements Policy and Process • Solutions that drive a standardised approach to data governance, consent practises, data release and other relevant policies and processes. • Solutions that enable effective management of data quality. • Tools and processes that meet SLAs People • Staff appropriately skilled to implement, maintain and support the work • Documentation and training Additional information: Interested suppliers are invited to view more information regarding the opportunity and respond to our Market Consultation Document. You may need to register on Bravo if you have not already done so: https://public.bravosolution.co.uk/genomicsengland/web/login.html . Once registered, please search for the project under code project_849