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Flow cryometer with cell sorting capability

NPL Management Limited

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

18 Sep 2026 at 17:09

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

17 Sep 2026 at 16:42

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited, the organisation operating the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, is procuring a flow cytometer with cell-sorting capability for delivery in the United Kingdom. The equipment must measure and sort cells using light scattering and/or fluorescence. An imaging flow cytometer is preferred, allowing cells to be imaged as well as measured. The buyer also prefers equipment able to measure smaller sub-micron particles, such as viruses. This is a goods procurement for laboratory, optical and precision equipment. It will suit manufacturers, specialist laboratory-equipment suppliers and distributors able to provide advanced flow cytometry and cell-sorting systems for scientific or metrology-related use.

The procurement has reached tender: NPL Management Limited invited offers through an open procedure. Enquiries were due by 2 October 2026 at 17:00 BST, and tender submissions were due by 15 October 2026 at 17:00 BST. Electronic submission is allowed and bids must be in English. The contract is scheduled to run from 16 November 2026 to 16 November 2027, with the award decision due by 16 November 2026. The estimated value is £250,000 excluding VAT (£300,000 including VAT). There is one lot. Offers will be evaluated on technical quality at 75%, commercial cost at 20% and social value at 5%.

This opportunity suits suppliers with established expertise in flow cytometry, fluorescence and light-scattering measurement, cell sorting and laboratory instrumentation. Strong candidates are likely to have the technical capability to supply and support an integrated system, with imaging and sub-micron particle measurement offering preferred functionality. Relevant experience in configuring equipment for research, testing, calibration or other demanding scientific environments will be useful. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate reliable equipment performance, practical installation and user support, and the capacity to deliver the full requirement rather than only individual components. The procurement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community or social enterprises, so capable specialist firms and collaborative suppliers may be well placed to compete.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Flow cryometer with cell sorting capability

Notice Description

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking engagement from suppliers who can provide a flow cytometer with cell sorting capability. The instrument should have capability for measuring and sorting cells using either light scattering and/or fluorescence. The ability to image cells i.e. imaging flow cytometer would be a preferred option. The ability to measure smaller sub-micron particles, for example viruses would be a preferred option.

Planning Information

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. If you have any questions, or would like to provide a response to the above, please email etenders@npl.co.uk to request a Preliminary Market Engagement Supplier Questionnaire

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0774d1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/088902-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
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
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Sep 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
15 Oct 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
19 Sep 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
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
Postcode Area
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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