Award

Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

05 Mar 2026 at 09:34

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust contracting SPT Labtech for the supply of two Firefly liquid handling systems, specifically the 6-head genomics model with ATL. This direct award, concluded under technical reasons and exclusive rights, seeks to expand capacity in the genomic laboratory located in Trafford, UK. The procurement, falling under the Medical Equipment category, ensures continuity with the existing Firefly platform, catering to service capacity needs and operational consilience within a regulated clinical setting. Key dates include the contract commencement on 16 March 2026, with a contractual period extending to 15 March 2027, reflecting the finalised contract phase.

This tender presents a unique opportunity for businesses in the medical equipment industry to explore similar partnerships with entities like Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting an affinity for suppliers with compatible technologies. While the procurement restricts competition due to technical specificity, businesses able to innovate within similar technological platforms or offer complementary services may find growth potential within the NHS infrastructure. Companies specialising in genomic technologies and laboratory workflows, particularly those proven in interoperability and compatibility, may be ideally suited to engage in forthcoming opportunities in this sector. Additionally, the deal underscores the importance of establishing proprietary systems to secure long-term contractual engagements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL

Notice Description

Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL. The proposed procurement relates to additional units that are technically compatible and interoperable with this platform.

Procurement Information

The Trust intends to award a contract to SPT Labtech Ltd for the supply of two Firefly liquid handling systems. The Trust maintains an established installed base of Firefly instrumentation supporting an existing genomic laboratory workflow. The proposed procurement relates to additional units that are technically compatible and interoperable with this platform. Platform continuity is required to ensure alignment with validated methods, existing laboratory configuration and operational processes within a regulated clinical environment. Introduction of an alternative system would require additional development, validation and configuration changes and would not provide equivalent technical compatibility with the current platform. The requirement reflects service capacity and business continuity planning. The equipment being procured is identical to systems already installed and operational within the Trust. SPT Labtech Ltd is the sole manufacturer and authorised supplier of the Firefly system in the United Kingdom. No other economic operator is able to supply this specific equipment. Accordingly, competition is absent for technical reasons and due to the protection of exclusive rights.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019751-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33100000 - Medical equipments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£415,274 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
5 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
16 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TRAFFORD
Postcode
M41 5SL
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD34 Greater Manchester South West
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Trafford
Electoral Ward
Davyhulme
Westminster Constituency
Stretford and Urmston

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SPT LABTECH

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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