Award

Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

05 Mar 2026 at 09:57

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

05 Mar 2026 at 09:45

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has completed a procurement process for the acquisition of two Firefly genomics (6 head) systems with ATL. This procurement falls under the medical equipment category and was awarded to SPT Labtech, a supplier located at Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge. The procurement method was a direct award due to technical compatibility and protection of exclusive rights, indicating a lack of competition for the specific equipment. Key dates include the award notice published on 5 March 2026, with the contract period starting on 18 March 2026 and ending on 17 March 2027. The procurement is tied to Trafford, United Kingdom, under the procurement stage of Award.

This tender could potentially benefit businesses specialising in the medical equipment sector, particularly those capable of providing innovative and compatible solutions that align with existing genomic laboratory workflows. While the direct award restricted open competition for this particular tender, similar opportunities in operational continuity and technical compatibility across different platforms could arise as the NHS network continues to advance its technological infrastructure. Companies that exhibit technical proficiency, especially those focused on genomics and laboratory equipment integration, may position themselves favourably for future tenders within the NHS and other public sectors.

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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-0662aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019761-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award 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
18 Mar 2026 - 17 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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