NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has published a notice for its Healthcare AI Solutions framework – one of the most significant IT and AI procurement opportunities available in the UK public sector. With a projected value of up to £900 million (including VAT) and a term of up to eight years, this open framework has the potential to reshape how artificial intelligence solutions are procured and deployed across the NHS and the wider public sector.
If you are considering bidding, speak to Thornton & Lowe for a rapid review to assess whether this opportunity aligns with your capabilities and commercial ambitions.
Why Consider the Healthcare AI Solutions Framework?
This framework stands out for technology providers for several reasons. As an open framework, it allows suppliers to join at intervals rather than only at the outset – a model that suits rapidly evolving AI and digital service providers who may wish to enter the market when they are ready. Key beneficiaries on the buyer side will include NHS organisations and participating public sector bodies, giving appointed suppliers significant exposure across health and government purchasers.
- Substantial, multi-year pipeline: With a maximum term of eight years, suppliers gain access to a high-value, sustained flow of requirements for AI and data-driven solutions.
- Broad buyer access: The framework is open to all NHS and additional public sector bodies, enhancing supplier reach across the health system.
- Efficient route to market: Appointment to the framework signals pre-qualification to buyers, often accelerating call-off competitions and reducing bid friction for individual contracts.
Bidding Considerations and Framework Structure
Prospective suppliers should consider the following before committing resources to a bid:
- Scope alignment: Review the published notice carefully to ensure your AI solutions align with NHS and public sector requirements – the framework is designed to cover a wide range of AI technologies, from intelligent diagnostics to workflow automation.
- Lot structure: As full documentation becomes available, pay close attention to any lot breakdown. This may enable suppliers to focus on niche AI areas, improving fit and competitiveness.
- Long-term engagement: An eight-year term offers sustained business prospects, but also demands adaptability as NHS technology needs evolve.
- Governance and compliance: NHS SBS prioritises suppliers who can demonstrate robust data security, information governance, and regulatory compliance – make these central to your bid narrative.
For background on navigating NHS procurement frameworks as a technology provider, our guide to NHS IT procurement frameworks provides a useful overview of how the NHS landscape is structured.
Quick Facts
- Authority: NHS Shared Business Services Limited
- Framework value: Up to £900 million (including VAT)
- Term: Up to 8 years
- Eligible buyers: NHS and UK public sector bodies
- Procurement route: Open framework agreement
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 23 June 2026
- Access the full notice on Find a Tender
Making Your Bid Stand Out
- Demonstrate scalability: The open, cross-sector scope means buyers will look for AI solutions that can flex across NHS and wider government needs.
- Evidence collaborative working: Show readiness to co-design solutions with buyers or integrate into complex legacy environments common in health settings.
- Monitor for open windows: As an open framework, suppliers can join at intervals – prepare to act quickly when submission windows open.
If you would like a rapid assessment of your readiness for this framework, get in touch with Thornton & Lowe. Our specialists can help you assess your fit, strengthen your submission, and maximise your chances of securing a long-term position within NHS AI procurement.
