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Supply of Real-Time PCR Instruments to APHA

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

24 Aug 2026 at 12:18

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

20 Aug 2026 at 13:56

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Animal and Plant Health Agency is planning to procure approximately 60 real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) instruments for laboratory use across the United Kingdom. The equipment will detect and quantify DNA and RNA targets, supporting molecular testing in accredited laboratory environments. The requirement covers current-production, CE-marked 96-well platforms that provide quantitative and qualitative analysis, multiplex fluorescence detection through at least five optical channels, and high-resolution melt analysis. Systems must work with non-proprietary reagents and consumables and provide network-enabled data management. The wider supply includes associated software, installation, user training, calibration certification, warranty provision, lifecycle support, maintenance and servicing. This is a laboratory equipment and support services requirement, classified under laboratory, optical and precision equipment.

This procurement is at the planning stage: APHA has stated its intention to buy, but has not invited tenders. It expects to use a competitive flexible procedure for one planned lot, with participation identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The estimated value is £3.8 million excluding VAT, or £4.56 million including VAT. The anticipated contract period is 15 March 2027 to 14 March 2032, with a possible extension to 14 March 2034. APHA expects to issue a subsequent notice on 27 November 2026. It is conducting preliminary market engagement to shape its procurement approach; suppliers may complete an information-gathering questionnaire by 15 September 2026. No formal proposals, evaluation or supplier selection form part of this engagement.

The requirement is likely to suit manufacturers, authorised distributors and specialist laboratory technology providers able to supply and support a fleet of around 60 qPCR systems. Relevant suppliers should be prepared to demonstrate current-production CE-marked 96-well platforms, quantitative and qualitative testing, multiplex fluorescence with at least five optical channels, high-resolution melt capability and compatibility with non-proprietary consumables. Commercial readiness will also depend on providing installation, user training, calibration certification, warranty cover, maintenance and long-term technical support. Experience of network-enabled laboratory data management and working within accredited laboratory environments will be important. Suppliers can use the planned market engagement to explain available technologies, support models and implementation considerations before the formal procurement documents and detailed evaluation criteria are issued.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply of Real-Time PCR Instruments to APHA

Notice Description

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to engage with the market in advance of a planned procurement for the supply, installation, training, warranty and lifecycle support of approximately 60 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) systems over a period of up to five years. The systems will be used for the molecular detection and quantification of DNA and RNA targets within laboratory environments. The requirement is for current-production, CE-marked, 96-well qPCR platforms capable of quantitative and qualitative analysis, multiplex fluorescence detection with a minimum of five optical channels, high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis, and compatibility with non-proprietary reagents and consumables. The scope will include associated software, installation, user training, calibration certification, warranty provision and ongoing maintenance and support services. Suppliers must be able to provide network-enabled data management functionality and support operation within accredited laboratory environments. Full technical requirements, service expectations and evaluation criteria will be detailed within the procurement documents.

Planning Information

The Authority is conducting this market engagement to inform its procurement approach and gain a clearer understanding of the market. Suppliers are invited to complete a short questionnaire, available from Melanie Swain – melanie.swain@defra.gov.uk. Suppliers are invited to respond with completed questionnaires by 15th September 2026. This exercise is for information gathering only. No formal proposals are required, and no evaluation or selection of suppliers or equipment will be undertaken at this stage. The Authority reserves the right to follow up with suppliers to further clarify responses, with any new material information shared appropriately.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e8a2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080294-2026
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
Competitive flexible procedure
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
£3,800,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Aug 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
27 Nov 20264 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Mar 2027 - 14 Mar 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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