About us

We deliver an end-to-end commercial service to support health security for the UK. This begins at the idea stage and then works through design, delivery, performance and exit so that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) obtains maximum impact and value for money.

We procure, store and distribute vaccines and countermeasures. We drive value for public money through competition and ensure maximum impact from the services UKHSA provides. We ensure fairness and transparency in our use of public money.

Our teams specialise in procurement, contract management, business development, commercial strategy development, market engagement and analysis, and strategic relationship management.

How to engage with UKHSA

We are working to build an environment in which UKHSA and companies can work together effectively and exchange ideas, knowledge and skills.

We engage with industry in a variety of ways. Our events and activities provide opportunities for suppliers to establish productive relationships with industry experts, our programmes and delivery teams and members of the wider supply community.

We aim to run workshops throughout the year to share the plans and objectives of our programmes and to get feedback from industry on our approach and its impact on suppliers and the market. We will run working groups that contribute directly to our team’s work and will also run webinars and requests for information (RFI) because we understand that these help industries plan, prepare for potential opportunities and provide input into our products and services.

Transforming Public Procurement

The Procurement Act 2023 willwent go live on 24 February 2025. To support readiness for the new regime, the Cabinet Office arehave runningprovided two webinars for suppliers and other interested parties in January. These sessions will focus primarily on what the key changes are, how the central digital platform will work (featuring a liverange demonstration),of and will be an opportunity to ask questions on your own preparations for go-live.

These sessions will be held on Thursday 23 January and Friday 24 January. Both sessions will be the same, so you only need to sign up for one. Links for the events, along with information for suppliers including(including ‘how to’ videosvideos) are on this dedicated supplier information page.

Marketing engagement events

We run webinars, open days and events that give insights into our work, opening doors and conversations with current and future partners. We will be posting up links to our events here, so please watch this space.

UKHSA Conference 2025

Our 2025 UKHSA Conference will be taking place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March at Manchester Central, bringing together a diverse group of experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders. Together we will explore the latest advancements, strategies, and innovations in health security.  Delegate registrations and exhibition opportunities will open in Autumn 2024.

Find out more about UKHSA Conference 2025

For help with any queries, please contact conference@ukhsa.gov.uk.

Strategies and guidance

UKHSA strategy

This plan outlines UKHSA’s goals and strategic priorities for the next 3 years to protect the nation’s health from current and future threats.

UKHSA strategic plan 2023 to 2026

Science strategy

This strategy outlines the scientific assets, capabilities and ambitions of UKHSA, and our plan to protect the nation’s health from current and future health threats.

UKHSA science strategy 2023 to 2033: securing health and prosperity

Commercial strategy

This 5-year strategy sets out the innovative commercial practice needed to deliver UKHSA’s mission, goals and strategic plan. It reflects our core values as a public health agency and overarching purpose to improve the UK’s health security.

A commercial strategy for UK Health Security Agency

Commercial opportunities

UKHSA works with a wide range of commercial partners from early collaboration to buying finished products.

UKHSA buys a wide range of goods, services and works. Our areas of spend include:

• vaccines and countermeasures
• diagnostics tools
• technology and digital services
• resourcing and recruitment
• professional services
• laboratory infrastructure
• laboratory maintenance services
• laboratory equipment and consumables
• logistics

UKHSA’s commercialCommercial, Vaccines and Countermeasures Delivery directorate’s vision is to provide best-in-class commercial expertise, which:

• delivers timely goods and services
• maximises value for money and impact
• is fully aligned to the UK government’s priorities

We tender contracts in accordance with UK procurement legislation that ensures open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes.

The commercial function is measured against the government’s commercial operating standards, which assesses all government departments against a common set of standards and indicators.

UKHSA pipeline

Our pipeline provides a forward look at potential commercial activity within UKHSA.

ThisAn updated pipeline is due to be published in May 2025 but in the meantime we have produced this snapshot of upcoming procurements published in March 2025

This is our latest full pipeline of activity, released in May 2024.

Led by our CommercialCommercial, Vaccines and Countermeasures Delivery Directorate, UKHSA is developing the commercialprocurement programme pipeline for the financial year 2024 to 2025 and beyond, in line with departmental transformation. As a result, UKHSA is only able to publish known corporate commercial activity valued at over £2 million. Any significant future changes will be published iteratively.

UKHSA makes no commitment that the:

• requirements identified in these tables will be procured
• annual value of any contract will be as stated
• timing of any future procurement exercises will be as stated
• sourcing route for any subsequent procurements will be as stated
• published pipeline is comprehensive and includes all the UKHSA future commercial activity

UKHSA frameworks and dynamic purchasing system (DPS)

Consumables reagents and equipment DPS – C23555

National Microbiology Framework – C39348

Assisted testing framework contract – C50350

UKHSA and government procurement policy

Social value

ProcurementPPN Policy002: NoteTaking 06/20 – taking account of social value in the award of centralcontracts government- contractsGOV.UK

This note sets out how to take account of social value in the award of central government contracts by using the Social Value Model. UKHSA will use this model to take account of the additional social benefits that can be achieved in the delivery of its contracts, using policy outcomes aligned with this government’s priorities.

Sustainability

We practice sustainable procurement to achieve value for money while minimising environmental damage and waste.

Integrity in business

UK companies that do business with integrity are better positioned to reduce risks and capitalise on commercial opportunities. This means complying with the UK Bribery Act and ensuring local partners, agents and distributors adhere to the same high standards. It also means being vigilant for modern slavery and other human rights abuses, both in operations and supply chains, in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Companies that make integrity core to their business protect and strengthen brand reputation enjoy greater and more sustainable commercial success over the long-term, minimising the risk of prosecution.

Tackling bribery and corruption creates more prosperous and healthy communities and a better business environment. It also enables the UK to maintain its status as a global leader in the fight against corruption.

UKHSA staff engaged in procurement have a duty to act in a professional and impartial manner and to be mindful of the Bribery Act 2010. We expect our suppliers to act in accordance with this.

The Ministry of Justice has published extensive guidance on the Bribery Act. Transparency International has also published guidance for business on how to resist demands for bribes.

External collaborations

At UKHSA, we’re well-known for our cutting-edge scientific research and unwavering commitment to public health. But we believe the most impactful solutions come through collaboration. That’s why we actively partner with leading academic institutions, global industry innovators, and the wider international health and science community.

Collaborative research for real-world results

We work closely with both UK-based and international partners on a broad range of research projects. By combining our expertise with yours, we can tackle complex challenges and develop innovative solutions that truly make a difference.

UKHSA’s extensive resources at your fingertips

As your partner, you’ll gain access to our unique range of resources and capabilities. This includes:

• UKAS-accredited clinical diagnostic testing: our laboratories offer advanced testing with whole genome sequencing and clinical reference services
• vaccine development and evaluation: from discovery to real-world impact, the vaccine development journey is a marathon, and our team helps equip your scientists with the expertise and provides the facilities to navigate each step
• environmental sampling and risk assessment: We can identify and assess potential risks from radiation, chemicals, air pollution and more
• expert consultancy: benefit from our unparalleled knowledge in areas like public health systems development, laboratory systems (including quality assurance), high-containment facilities (CL-4), radiation protection, and mass gathering medicine and diagnostics
• technology licensing: our proactive business development team can help you license UKHSA-developed technologies to benefit public health
• accredited training: expand your team’s knowledge with our broad range of accredited training programs, from dental X-ray protection to laboratory biosafety; courses are available both in-person and online through our Future Learn partnership

National Laboratory Alliance: A network of expertise

As part of the National Laboratory Alliance (NLA), UKHSA collaborates with 10 other UK research establishments. This powerful network fosters:

• shared best practices: we learn from each other, continuously improving our services and expertise
• strategic collaboration: we tackle complex challenges together, achieving greater impact
• resource optimization: we leverage our combined resources for maximum efficiency
• professional development: our own scientists benefit from a wider range of development opportunities

Ready to partner for public health?

We believe global collaboration with industry and leading organisations is key to protecting and improving public health. If you share our vision, we invite you to contact us at business@ukhsa.gov.uk to discuss potential commercial partnerships and explore how we can work together to achieve your scientific goals.

Evaluation of lateral flow antigen tests

If you have a test that meets the prioritisation criteria for validation, visit Lateral flow validation prioritisation criteria for rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens and submit details of the test via email to supplierengagement@ukhsa.gov.uk

Finance

How we pay supply partners

All central government departments are required to pay 90% of undisputed invoices within 5 days. You need to be aware of the prompt payment procedures to achieve this. This includes Procurement Policy Note 07/20, which sets out how payment approaches can be taken into account in the procurement of major government contracts.

Invoices

For invoices, ensure the details in the invoice contain the UKHSA-issued PO number and are addressed as follows:

VAT registration number: GB 888 851 648

Such invoices should be emailed to payables@ukhsa.gov.uk

Our relationships with external suppliers in the UK and internationally are enormously important to us – should you have any queries on the information provided above, or in relation to invoicing UKHSA, email procuretopay@ukhsa.gov.uk

Contact us

For any queries relating to commercial aspects, email commercial@ukhsa.gov.uk