Award

VEAT for Sequencing Consumables and Servicing

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

05 Mar 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum
Award

25 Feb 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F15 - Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has concluded a public procurement process for the provision of sequencing consumables and servicing of equipment, entitled "VEAT for Sequencing Consumables and Servicing." This falls under the goods category and is focused within the education sector, specifically at the University’s location in Edinburgh (UKM75). The procurement was initiated through an award procedure without prior publication due to technical reasons, indicating that no competition was foreseen. The contract valued approximately £3,949,592.40 has been awarded to Oxford Nanopore Technologies, noted for their unique capability in meeting the project requirements. Officially awarded on 25 February 2026, this contract operates under a limited procurement method based on the organisation’s identification of sole eligibility by the supplier. Key justifications include patented technology exclusive to the supplier and the necessity for proprietary components and services. The procurement process has reached the award stage.

This contract presents a substantial opportunity for Oxford Nanopore Technologies, as the sole supplier able to provide the specific sequencing equipment needed for advanced DNA analysis and servicing, securing a significant financial inflow. Businesses involved in biotechnology and genomic research services, particularly those specialising in technologically advanced equipment, may find inspiration in identifying niche areas where technical capabilities can garner exclusive contracts. Additionally, large-scale enterprises with unique patented technologies could use this model to pursue similar bids where competition is non-existent due to specialised demands. For businesses looking to grow in the scientific and research sectors, adapting proprietary solutions can be a strategic focus to position themselves for similar procurement opportunities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

VEAT for Sequencing Consumables and Servicing

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh intends to award a contract to Oxford Nanopore Technologies due to competition being absent for technical reasons for the provision on sequencing consumables and servicing of equipment.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University of Edinburgh intends to award a contract to Oxford Nanopore Technologies due to competition being absent for technical reasons. The University has selected Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as the supplier for a sequencing program of work as they are the only supplier who can meet the project target of sequencing long DNA sequences of varying lengths while detecting native modifications, allowing like-for-like variant and DNA methylation comparison against saliva DNA controls from equivalent European genetic ancestry, by extending a previous successful pilot study with processes leading to more rapid sample results such as terminating sequencing once desired coverage is achieved, and doing so with sufficiently high throughput that is required within the timescale of the project which is 1 year. The contract is specifically for the purchase of consumables and the 12-month servicing of equipment and the specific justification is as follows: Oxford Nanopore Technologies is the sole manufacturer and patent holder of the nanopore sequencing technology used in the PromethION platform. Consumables: The PromethION flow cells and auxiliary reagents are uniquely engineered to interface with the PromethION hardware and integrated software. No third-party consumables are currently validated or chemically compatible with the proprietary sensor arrays within the device. Use of non-ONT consumables would result in immediate loss of data integrity and system failure. Service & Maintenance: The PromethION system is a highly specialised piece of diagnostic/research equipment. Maintenance requires access to proprietary diagnostic software, firmware updates, and specialised components that are not made available to third-party service providers. Oxford Nanopore Technologies does not authorise third-party distributors or service agents for these specific products and services. Consequently, ONT is the sole economic operator capable of fulfilling the requirement.

Procurement Information

The University of Edinburgh intends to award this contract without prior publication due to a lack of competition for technical reasons, as there is only one supplier who can meet the requirements listed in the description.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000824805
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR551044
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum
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
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33140000 - Medical consumables

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£1,913,301 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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

OXFORD NANOPORE TECHNOLOGIES

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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