Healthcare PPE & Associated Consumables Framework

Framework Announcement

Secure your place on one of the UK's Largest NHS PPE Procurement Opportunities!

Estimated Value: £917.6 million (including VAT)

Framework Duration: 30 April 2027 – 29 April 2030 (with the option to extend until 29 April 2031)

Submission Deadline: 17 August 2026 – 3:00pm

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The NHS Supply Chain has announced a new national framework for the supply of Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and associated consumables, creating a significant opportunity for suppliers across the healthcare manufacturing and medical consumables sectors.

Worth an estimated £917.6 million, the framework will establish a nationwide agreement covering eight specialist product categories, providing contracting authorities with access to trusted suppliers capable of delivering high-quality PPE, respiratory protection and fit testing equipment across the NHS and wider healthcare sector.

Whether you're an existing NHS supplier or looking to enter the public healthcare market, this framework represents an important long-term opportunity to secure recurring business with one of the UK's largest procurement organisations.

At Bid Writing Service (BWS), we help suppliers prepare high-scoring framework applications by combining technical bid expertise with strategic procurement knowledge. From compliance reviews through to submission management, our specialists can help maximise your chances of securing a place.

Framework Overview

The Healthcare PPE & Associated Consumables Framework has been developed by Supply Chain Coordination Limited (NHS Supply Chain) to establish a national supplier base for single-use healthcare personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protection and associated consumables used across NHS clinical environments.

With an estimated value of £917.6 million, the framework presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers operating within the healthcare and medical consumables sector to secure long-term public sector business. The agreement has been designed to strengthen national supply chain resilience while ensuring healthcare providers have access to high-quality, clinically appropriate PPE products.

The framework places a strong emphasis on product quality, ethical sourcing, sustainability and innovation. Suppliers will be expected to demonstrate not only compliance with relevant healthcare standards but also their ability to support surge capacity during public health emergencies and contribute towards NHS sustainability objectives.

Framework Factfile

Sector

Healthcare

NHS Supply Chain, Medical Consumables, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Estimated Framework Value

£917,587,963 (including VAT)

Framework Duration

30 April 2027 – 29 April 2030

Optional 12-month extension available until 29 April 2031.

Submission Deadline

17 August 2026 – 3:00pm

Key Framework Information

Framework Type

Multi-supplier Framework Agreement established under an Open Procedure.

Contracting Authority

Supply Chain Coordination Limited(NHS Supply Chain).

Maximum Number of Suppliers

Unlimited.

Procurement Reference

ITT_2294

Who Can Access the Framework?

The framework will be availableto NHS Supply Chain, NHS Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts, other NHS bodies, government departments, statutory organisations and approved private healthcare organisations operating within the UK healthcare sector.

Award Method

Contracts may be awarded either directly or following a further competition, depending on the purchasing authority's requirements.

Procurement Portal

Jaggaer NHS Supply Chain Procurement Portal.

Estimated Award Date

22 March 2027.

Why This Framework Matters

Healthcare PPE remains one of the most strategically important procurement categories within the NHS.

Following recent global supply chain disruption, NHS Supply Chain is placing greater emphasis on resilience, transparency and supplier capability than ever before.

This framework has been designed to:

• Improve the security and resilience of national PPE supply chains.
• Ensure the NHS maintains access to clinically appropriate protective equipment during routine operations and public health emergencies.
• Rationalise product ranges while maintaining high clinical standards.
• Drive greater sustainability and ethical sourcing across healthcare procurement.
• Encourage innovation and value-based procurement through improved products, whole-life cost savings and measurable patient outcomes.
• Deliver long-term value for money for contracting authorities.

For suppliers, securing a place on this framework provides access to one of the UK's largest healthcare procurement opportunities while strengthening long-term relationships with NHS buyers and positioning businesses for future public sector growth.

Framework Scope

The framework covers the supply of a broad range of healthcare PPE and associated consumables used throughout NHS clinical environments.

Products and solutions include:

• Type IIR surgical face masks
• FFP3 respirators
• Disposable and protective gowns
• Patient dignity gowns
• Eye protection and face visors
• Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)
• Qualitative and quantitative fit testing equipment
• Cape hoods and associated respiratory protection products

In addition to supplying compliant products, suppliers will be expected to demonstrate:

• Strong infection prevention and control measures
• Compliance with Medical Device and PPE legislation
• Supply chain resilience and surge capacity
• Sustainable manufacturing practices
• Ethical sourcing and modern slavery due diligence
• Product innovation
• Clinical evidence supporting product performance
• Clear product classification and intended use

Framework Lot Structure

The framework is divided into 8 specialist lots, allowing suppliers to bid for the product categories that best align with their capabilities and product portfolios.

Lot 1 – Type IIR Surgical Face Masks

Supply of Type IIR surgical masks designed for healthcare and clinical environments, including specialist variants such as anti-fog masks, transparent communication masks, MRI-compatible products and paediatric options.

Lot 2 – Gowns

Supply of disposable isolation gowns, protective gowns and patient dignity gowns, including Category I and Category III PPE garments designed for infection prevention and routine clinical care.

Lot 3 – Eye Protection

Supply of full-face visors providing protection against splashes, droplets and other hazards encountered within healthcare environments.

Lot 4 – Single Use FFP3 Respirators

Supply of disposable FFP3 respiratory protection, including flat-fold and moulded respirators, together with valved and unvalved designs suitable for clinical use.

Lot 5 – Qualitative Fit Testing Kits & Solutions

Supply of qualitative fit testing consumables including testing kits, hoods, nebulisers, atomisers, testing solutions and replacement components.

Lot 6 –Quantitative Fit Testing Systems

Supply of quantitative fit testing machines, calibration equipment, software, maintenance services and associated consumables used to assess respirator performance.

Lot 7 – Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) & Accessories

Supply of complete PAPR systems together with batteries, chargers, filters, hoses, harnesses, hoods and replacement accessories for enhanced respiratory protection.

Lot 8 – Cape Hoods

Supply of disposable and reusable protective cape hoods certified to relevant healthcare standards, including products meeting EN 14126 requirements for protection against infective agents.

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What Buyers Are Looking For

This framework is about far more than supplying compliant PPE products. NHS Supply Chain is looking to establish long-term partnerships with suppliers that can demonstrate resilience, innovation and value throughout the framework term.

The tender documentation highlights several strategic priorities that suppliers should address throughout their submission. These include maintaining a resilient and scalable supply chain, supporting national stock availability, reducing product complexity, improving sustainability and delivering measurable value through innovation.

Successful suppliers should beable to demonstrate:

• Manufacturing and quality assurance processes
• Compliance with relevant Medical Device and PPE legislation
• Proven supply chain resilience and surge capacity
• Sustainable manufacturing and carbon reduction initiatives
• Ethical sourcing and modern slavery commitments
• Strong clinical evidence supporting product performance
• Whole-life value rather than simply lowest purchase price
• Product innovation that improves patient and staff outcomes

The NHS is increasingly seeking suppliers that can support long-term procurement objectives rather than simply providing products at the lowest cost. Demonstrating strategic value alongside technical compliance will therefore be essential.

Award Criteria

Although the weighting varies slightly across each lot, suppliers should expect a balanced evaluation between commercial competitiveness and quality.

Across the framework, buyers will assess submissions against areas including:

Price

Commercial competitiveness remains a significant factor, accounting for between 40% and 50% of the total score depending on the lot.

Managing Surge Capacity

Given the critical importance of PPE availability, suppliers must demonstrate their ability to respond rapidly during periods of increased demand and maintain resilient supply chains.

Social Value

Suppliers will need to evidence the wider benefits their organisation delivers, including environmental initiatives, community impact, employment opportunities and responsible business practices.

Savings and Value

Rather than focusing solely on purchase price, NHS Supply Chain is seeking suppliers capable of delivering measurable efficiencies and whole-life value.

Additional Quality Criteria

Depending on the lot, buyers may also evaluate:

• Reducing health inequalities
• Reducing clinical risk
• Obsolescence management
• Product innovation
• Patient and staff outcomes

This demonstrates the NHS's continued move towards value-based procurement, rewarding suppliers that deliver broader benefits alongside compliant products.

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How Bid Writing Service Can Help

Our team has extensive experience supporting suppliers across healthcare, manufacturing, medical devices and public sector procurement.

Whether you're bidding for a single lot or multiple product categories, we provide practical support throughout the entire application process.

Our framework support includes:

• Framework readiness assessments
• Bid strategy workshops
• Compliance reviews
• Gap analysis against framework requirements
• Technical response writing
• Social Value development
• Evidence gathering and presentation
• Final quality assurance
• Submission support

We understand what public sector buyers expect and help suppliers present their capabilities in a way that aligns with evaluation criteria while remaining fully compliant.

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Our Experience

Bid Writing Service has supported organisations across the healthcare and medical sectors in securing places on national procurement frameworks and winning complex public sector contracts.

Our consultants have experience preparing high-scoring submissions covering medical consumables, healthcare equipment, clinical services and wider NHS procurement opportunities.

Whether supporting SMEs entering the healthcare market for the first time or established suppliers expanding their NHS portfolio, we combine strategic bid management with sector-specific expertise to maximise our clients' chances of success.

Expert Spotlight

Grace Finnerty

Bid Writer & Healthcare Specialist

Grace brings extensive healthcare procurement experience to Bid Writing Service, having previously worked as Senior Bid Manager at a leading domiciliary and homecare provider. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the entire bid function, including bid strategy, bid writing, quality reviews, client management and submission management across both public and private sector opportunities.

During her time here, Grace managed the submission of up to 30 bids each year, ranging from high-value NHS and local authority frameworks to private sector tenders. The contracts she worked on had an average value of approximately £8 million, giving her significant experience in managing complex, commercially important procurement opportunities.

Here, Grace achieved an impressive 90% win rate on average. This consistent success reflects her ability to develop compelling and evidenced submissions that meet buyer requirements while clearly demonstrating value and service quality.

Since joining Bid Writing Service earlier this year, Grace has continued to build on her specialist healthcare expertise, successfully delivering numerous healthcare and social care bids for clients across the sector. Her experience gives clients confidence that their submissions are being developed by someone who understands the unique challenges of NHS procurement, healthcare compliance and the competitive tendering landscape.

Whether supporting suppliers applying for national NHS frameworks or organisations bidding for local healthcare contracts, Grace combines sector knowledge with strategic bid writing expertise to help clients maximise their chances of success.

Grace is just one example of the expert writers we have in-house at Bid Writing Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this framework?

The framework is open to suppliers capable of delivering one or more of the eight product categories while meeting the technical, regulatory and commercial requirements outlined within the procurement documentation.

Can suppliers bid for multiple lots?

Yes. Suppliers may submit applications for any lots that align with their products, capabilities and experience.

When is the submission deadline?

Tender submissions must be received by 3:00pm on 17 August 2026, with clarification questions closing on 7 August 2026.

How long will the framework last?

The framework is expected to commence on 30 April 2027 and run until 29 April 2030, with the option for a further 12-month extension.

Is price the only deciding factor?

Absolutely not. While price carries a significant weighting across all lots, buyers also assess resilience, Social Value, innovation, savings, health inequalities and other quality criteria depending on the lot.

Speak to Our Framework Specialists

The Healthcare PPE & Associated Consumables Framework represents one of the largest healthcare procurement opportunities currently available within the NHS.

With an estimated value of £917.6 million and opportunities across 8 specialist lots, early preparation could make all the difference to your success.

Whether you need support reviewing your eligibility, developing your bid strategy or writing a complete framework submission, Bid Writing Service is here to help.

Contact our team today at info@bidwritingservice.com to discuss your application and discover how we can help maximise your chances of securing a place on this nationally significant framework.