NHS Supply Chain has published the tender for its Medical Simulations Devices and Technologies framework, covering simulation equipment, specialist trainers, immersive technology and supporting software. The estimated framework value is £252 million including VAT, with a 24-month initial term and an option to extend for a further 24 months.
The opportunity is relevant to medical simulation manufacturers, specialist training-device suppliers, immersive technology providers and software businesses with products that support clinical training and performance analysis. If you are considering a bid and want to check your lot fit or compliance position, contact Thornton & Lowe.
Five routes for different simulation suppliers
The framework is split into five lots:
- Human Patient Simulators - full-body manikins ranging from basic models to advanced high-fidelity systems.
- Task Trainers - devices for practising defined clinical skills such as cannulation, suturing and airway management.
- Surgical and Procedural Trainers - specialist systems for procedural and surgical training.
- Immersive Technology, Virtual Clinical Environments and Recording - including immersive and recording solutions used in scenario-based learning.
- Performance Recording Systems and Software - software supporting simulation design, delivery, performance tracking, reporting and analysis.
Suppliers can tender for one or several lots, so the right approach is to focus on the areas where the product portfolio and evidence are strongest rather than stretching across the full framework.
Commercial and procurement detail
NHS Supply Chain estimates approximately £72 million of purchases in the first 12 months, with an anticipated value of around £210 million excluding VAT across the full 48-month period. These are estimates, not guaranteed spend. The framework allows an unlimited number of suppliers and applies a 0% supplier fee, with call-offs made through competition.
The framework can be used by NHS organisations and a wider group of eligible bodies set out in the notice, including government and statutory organisations, universities, charities and certain private-sector healthcare entities.
Key dates
- Enquiry deadline: 21 September 2026 at 3:00pm
- Tender deadline: 29 October 2026 at 3:00pm
- Estimated award decision: 5 March 2027
- Framework start: 10 May 2027
- Possible end date: 11 May 2031 if the extension is used
Full current details are in the Medical Simulations Devices and Technologies tender notice.
Compliance needs early attention
This is a compliance-heavy NHS Supply Chain procurement. The notice sets out requirements around quality certification, with ISO 9001, ISO 13485 or an accredited Medical Device Single Audit Program route accepted depending on the supplier and product. CE certification and declarations of conformity are required where applicable.
The notice also highlights modern slavery requirements, the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool, the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, Carbon Reduction Plans and Cyber Essentials Plus where suppliers handle patient or personal data or provide relevant IT systems, services or devices. Our NHS procurement frameworks supplier guide gives wider context on the evidence and governance NHS framework bidders typically need.
Scoring priorities
For Lots 1 and 2, service delivery and supplier capability carries 55% of the score, with 20% for price, 15% for sustainability and future readiness, and 10% for social value. Lots 3 to 5 place additional weight on implementation and adoption, alongside service capability, price, sustainability and social value.
That weighting makes evidence quality important. Suppliers should use relevant case studies, implementation plans and measurable outcomes to show that products can be deployed, supported and adopted effectively in real training environments.
Support with your NHS Supply Chain bid
Thornton & Lowe can support lot selection, compliance checks, bid planning, writing and review. Speak to our NHS bid team if you want to strengthen the submission before the October deadline.
