Service and Maintenance Contract for Genomic Sequencing Platform

Notice Information

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Notice Title

Notice Description

Northumbria University intends to directly award a 5-year service, support, and maintenance contract for an existing high-throughput genomic sequencing platform to support advanced molecular, environmental, and bioscience research frameworks within the Faculty of Science and Environment. This specialized multi-year service agreement is critical for ensuring the continuous, high-availability, and high-precision operational performance of complex, long-read sequencing instrumentation running critical data workflows. The contract will ensure the systematic provisioning of vital maintenance parameters--including preventative maintenance visits, emergency engineering labor, certified replacement parts, proprietary consumables required for mechanical repairs, and real-time remote performance monitoring--allowing researchers to maximize instrument uptime and maintain strict data fidelity across high-throughput genomic pipelines. The contract is to be awarded via a formal internal procurement exemption as the sequencing platform relies entirely on proprietary technology and closed-source software architectures. Consequently, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is the sole authorized provider capable of supplying certified replacement parts, executing specialized engineering calibrations, and providing remote diagnostic support. No alternative provider exists with the technical capacity or legal authorization to service the asset without compromising instrument validation, operational warranties, or downstream research data fidelity.

Procurement Information

The direct award is justified under Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 due to exclusive rights and technical reasons: Intellectual Property and Exclusive Rights: The genomic sequencing platform relies entirely on proprietary, patented technology and closed-source software architectures owned exclusively by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). No third-party providers hold the legal licenses or authorizations required to access, update, or modify the system's core operating infrastructure. Technical Reasons: The OEM is the sole authorized provider globally with the specialized technical capacity, certified engineering tooling, and remote diagnostic systems required to service this instrument. Utilizing an alternative provider would invalidate manufacturer operational warranties, breach mandatory instrument calibration protocols (such as laser alignment), and fatally compromise downstream research data fidelity and scientific validation.

Notice Details

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Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-06b36e
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055561-2026
Current Stage: Award
All Stages: Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type: UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type: Standard
Procurement Category: Services
Procurement Method: Direct
Procurement Method Details: Direct award
Tender Suitability: Not specified
Awardee Scale: Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions: 50 - Repair and maintenance services
CPV Codes: 50400000 - Repair and maintenance services of medical and precision equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value: Not specified
Lots Value: Not specified
Awards Value: £326,250 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value: Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 12 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline: Not specified
Future Notice Date: Not specified
Award Date: 9 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period: 25 Jun 2026 - 22 May 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
Contact Name: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode: NE1 8ST
Post Town: Newcastle upon Tyne
Country: England
Major Region (ITL 1): TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2): TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3): TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location: Not specified
Local Authority: Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward: Monument
Westminster Constituency: Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers: 1
Supplier Name: PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OF CALIFORNIA

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055561-2026
12th June 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055419-2026
11th June 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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