Planning

DNA sequencer

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

08 May 2026 at 13:22

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited is in the planning stage of a procurement process for a medium to high throughput DNA sequencer, aiming to enhance its laboratory capabilities. This procurement, initiated by a preliminary market engagement, focuses on the Laboratory, Optical, and Precision Equipment category and represents a significant opportunity in the United Kingdom, particularly within the region of UKI75. A preliminary market engagement notice has been published, and interested suppliers must register for this engagement by the deadline of 18th May 2026. The tender, valued at £225,000, outlines a contract period beginning on 28th September 2026 and potentially extending until 27th September 2031.

This tender represents a substantial business growth opportunity for suppliers specialised in providing advanced laboratory equipment. Companies with experience in supplying DNA sequencers with capabilities such as high throughput, robust operation, and seamless integration into dynamic laboratory environments are encouraged to participate. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will find this procurement accessible and are encouraged to respond, given the suitability requirements. Comprehensive service and support offerings—including installation, training, and maintenance—will also be key considerations for effective competition in this tender.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

DNA sequencer

Notice Description

NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers who can provide a medium to high throughput DNA sequencer suitable for routine molecular genetics workflows. The purpose of this engagement is to understand available market solutions capable of delivering reliable DNA sequencing and fragment analysis, with sufficient throughput, flexibility, and operational robustness to support an active laboratory environment. The system should be capable of high-throughput operation, enabling efficient processing of multiple samples in parallel and accommodating both routine workloads and periods of increased demand. DNA Sequencer Capability The DNA sequencer should provide medium to high throughput performance, suitable for parallel processing of samples and capable of supporting approximately 192 samples per day or equivalent throughput. The system must deliver consistent and reproducible DNA sequencing and fragment analysis results and support both routine and time-critical workflows. Operation and Workflow The instrument should operate as a self contained system, enabling run setup and monitoring at the instrument with minimal manual intervention. Consumables and key components should be straightforward to handle and replace, with clear visibility of run progress and system status. Software and Connectivity Integrated software should offer an intuitive user interface, simple workflow configuration, and data outputs compatible with standard downstream analysis tools. The system should support secure connectivity, including remote monitoring or access, where available. Applications The DNA sequencer should support core applications including: * DNA sequencing for verification or confirmation * Fragment analysis * Genotyping or identity testing * DNA quality control Service and Support Suppliers should provide comprehensive service and support arrangements, including installation and initial user training, ongoing technical assistance, and remote diagnostic capabilities to minimise instrument downtime. The provision of a minimum three-year maintenance contract covering preventative maintenance and support should be included. This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow on ITT.

Planning Information

Prior to initiating the procurement, NPL wishes to establish the level of market interest in the forthcoming procurement process. Suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who may have an interest in this project are invited to register for this Preliminary Market Engagement. The purpose of the market engagement is to help assess the reaction of the market, to understand risks and future possibilities to ensure a future proofed procurement strategy and resulting contract. Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and NPL. Nor does the receipt of a response automatically include the respondent in the procurement process. A Tender Notice will be issued to the market which will provide details of how the relating procurement documentation can be accessed and timescales for submission of the said tender response. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participation in this Market Engagement of whatever nature. NPL shall not be liable for the costs, expenses or losses howsoever arising (including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss incurred), regardless of the outcome of the Market Engagement. The next stage in the process will be considered once this exercise has been completed.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0694cc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042558-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£225,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 May 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
18 May 20264 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TEDDINGTON
Postcode
TW11 0LW
Post Town
Twickenham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI7 Outer London - West and North West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Richmond upon Thames
Electoral Ward
Teddington
Westminster Constituency
Twickenham

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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