UKHSA In silico modelling of the Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2

2. Description of procurement

Market Engagement - In silico analysis of the impact of mutations of the Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 on lateral flow device sensitivity. Atamis project reference: C103586 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) wishes to inform the market of a potential future procurement to source a suitably qualified supplier (or an optimal combination of suppliers) to develop an in-silico protein model that can analyse the impact of mutations of the Nucleocapsid protein structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent impact on lateral flow device sensitivity. UKHSA notes that mutations of the Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 that are present in Variants of Concern (VoCs) can impact on the sensitivity of lateral flow devices. Hence, we are looking to procure a supplier to build an in-silico protein model of the Nucleocapsid protein that will allow UKHSA to quickly assess the impact of a mutation on lateral flow device performance. UKHSA evaluates the sensitivity of LFDs against SARS-CoV-2 in a 'wet' laboratory environment. This provides UKHSA with the data which is required to make decisions on the performance of lateral flow devices and this work will continue. However, it can take several weeks to perform the evaluation, depending on the availability of clinical samples. UKHSA is looking for a supplier to model the Nucleocapsid protein. The supplier will then use information on the binding sites for the lateral flow devices, to make a prediction of impact of a new variant on a lateral flow device's sensitivity. UKHSA hopes to receive the prediction within a few days of a new variant being sequenced. UKHSA wishes to explore the market, identify interest and potential solutions from suitably qualified suppliers who can provide in silico modelling solutions to refine our requirements and help shape any future procurement. Please note this Prior Information Notice (PIN) for market engagement is not meant for reducing the timeframe of the tender process. It is to enable UKHSA to assess the market for potential suppliers who may be interested in the upcoming future opportunity. The presently anticipated route to the market will be a regulation 14 exemption under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 but will still be subject to a fair and open competition. If you are interested in participating in this market engagement, please confirm your Expression of Interest (EOI)via return response on Atamis ref C103586 regarding involvement in the market engagement and tender process. The expression of interest closes at 12:00 hrs on the 10th of October 2022. Please note that at any point after the closure of EOI and if required, we may invite potential suppliers who have expressed interest to this PIN for a further discussion to better understand their responses, this may include activities such as supplier days.