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High Value Laboratory Equipment

North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium · Local or regional public body

In brief

North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium has announced plans to buy laboratory equipment and medical supplies work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

It is a framework worth up to £150,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 2 years, up to 4 years with extensions, starting 1 August 2027.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Competition

Typical: a median of 3 bids per contract for laboratory equipment contracts across the UK (from 381 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £150,000,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

What the notice says

NWUPC is undertaking preliminary market engagement to inform the development of the strategy and tender documentation for the retender of the High Value Laboratory Equipment framework which is due to expire on 31st July 2027. The forthcoming 2027 framework agreement includes the following proposed lot structure, though please note this is not yet finalised and is subject to change before tender publication: Lot 1 : Magnetic Resonance Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Lot 2: X-Ray, Imaging, Elemental & Micro Analysis Equipment and Microscopy Instruments including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables,…Read the full description
NWUPC is undertaking preliminary market engagement to inform the development of the strategy and tender documentation for the retender of the High Value Laboratory Equipment framework which is due to expire on 31st July 2027. The forthcoming 2027 framework agreement includes the following proposed lot structure, though please note this is not yet finalised and is subject to change before tender publication: Lot 1 : Magnetic Resonance Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Lot 2: X-Ray, Imaging, Elemental & Micro Analysis Equipment and Microscopy Instruments including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Lot 3: Spectroscopy Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Lot 4: Mechanical, Thermal and Physical Testing Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Lot 5: Laser Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. NWUPC are seeking the input of the market through the use of an engagement survey which is available at the following link: https://fyczm.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2AI4cXKSlStie7hVZLz9Jow The survey will close on 18th October 2026 at 23:59pm. Prior to completing the survey, please read the supporting information on the current sector agreement for High Value Laboratory Equipment available at: https://www.nwupc.ac.uk/nwupc-updates/preliminary-market-engagement-opportunity-high-value-laboratory-equipment-tender/ Additionally, a market engagement Q&A Drop-In Session shall be held on 26th October 2026 at 10am via Microsoft Teams; joining information is below: Microsoft Teams meeting Join here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3912949596682931?p=utoKfaKoRuvvYYr4PT Meeting ID: 391 294 959 668 293 1 / Passcode: r3yC38uJ

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 093381-2026

About the buyer

  1. 715889472-Tender Notice

    Defence Equipment and SupportUK-wideLaboratory and scientific equipment

    Closing soon23 hours leftExpress interestSuitable for SMEs

    £4.17mestimated
  2. Bcu-fts-63146-mainteance and testing of all endoscope drying cabinets across betsi cadwaladr university health board

    Betsi Cadwaladr University Health BoardWalesLaboratory and scientific equipment

    Closing soon3 days leftSuitable for SMEs

    £418kestimated
  3. £600kestimated
  4. Provision and Maintenance of Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Devices

    Network Rail Infrastructure LimitedLondonLaboratory and scientific equipment

    Closing soon3 days leftExpress interestFramework

    £1.81mframework ceiling
  5. Multi-Column Continuous Chromatography System and Automated Viral Inactivation System

    Cell Therapy Catapult LimitedLondonMedical equipment and supplies, Laboratory and scientific equipment

    Closing soon4 days left2 lotsSuitable for SMEs

    £1.6mestimated

From notice 093381-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 2 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 2 October 2026.