Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

11 Jun 2026 at 14:13

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has successfully completed the procurement process for a high-tech laboratory equipment contract, awarded to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Ltd. The contract, titled "Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser," falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. This procurement process, recorded under the OCID ocds-h6vhtk-06b335, was conducted using a limited procurement method, justified by the absence of competition due to technical reasons. The contract was signed on the 11th of June 2026 and involves the acquisition of equipment tailored for integration into the Edinburgh Genome Foundry's automated platform for cell-based assays, located in the UK region UKM75.

This procurement presents notable opportunities for businesses specialising in high-precision laboratory technologies, particularly those capable of offering integrated solutions that support automation within laboratory settings. Companies that focus on advancing laboratory efficiency through innovative, multifunctional equipment might find this sector rewarding. The collaboration potential with international Biofoundries and laboratories that utilise similar platforms also opens up pathways for firms that are keen on standardising workflows and engaging in technological partnerships. This contract signifies a move towards more automated, high-throughput laboratory operations, appealing particularly to businesses that can bridge laboratory science with technical innovation.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

Notice Description

Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

Lot Information

Lot 1

We are awarding a contract to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Limited for the purchase of the Cytation 9 Imager and the 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser based on their ability to meet specific technical and operational requirements. The Edinburgh Genome Foundry is undergoing major expansion to incorporate a fully automated platform for the handling and analysis of mammalian cells. For a piece of kit to be integrated in such an automated platform, it needs to be designed especially for this purpose. The Agilent Cytation 9 combines high-content imaging, multimode microplate reading, and both upright and inverted microscopy within a single instrument. The Agilent BioTek 406 FX also combines automated washing and reagent dispensing capabilities, together with built-in ultrasonic maintenance technology (key for fully automated operations) within a single integrated system. This is a unique combination of capabilities that would otherwise require multiple instruments. It is necessary for these instruments to perform multiple functions due to essential requirement to fit a robotic platform in a limited space and therefore it is not possible to have separate standalone instruments performing each function. The Agilent solutions provide the required functionality while maintaining the performance standards necessary for advanced cell-based assay workflows. Furthermore, the Cytation 9 and 406 FX are designed to operate as complementary components within automated cell-based assay workflows. This integrated workflow enables efficient end-to-end automation, reduces manual intervention, and supports the facility's requirement for high-throughput, reproducible operation. The facility also collaborates extensively with international Biofoundries and partner laboratories that utilise the same platform. Adoption of this equipment will facilitate collaboration, enable the exchange of validated protocols and data, and support standardisation of workflows across laboratories, which is a key requirement within Engineering Biology.

Procurement Information

After comprehensive market engagement, competition is absent for technical reasons. No reasonable alternative or substitute exists and the absence of competition is not the result of an artificial narrowing down of the parameters of the procurement. This notice is the final piece of due diligence prior to the award of the contract. Should a supplier detail their ability to meet the requirements, then the award will be halted.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b335
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055331-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£194,999 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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