---
title: "Time-lapse Incubation and Imaging System"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "QE FACILITIES"
published: "2023-12-22"
---

# Time-lapse Incubation and Imaging System

Buyer: QE FACILITIES  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1.json)

## Summary

The public procurement process for the "Time-lapse Incubation and Imaging System" was successfully completed by QE Facilities. The procurement falls under the medical equipment category, specifically for an Embryoscope system. The contract was directly awarded to Vitrolife Ltd through a limited negotiated procurement method due to the unique nature of the product. The timeline for concluding the process and entering into a formal contract is set for Wednesday 3rd January 2024, subject to a 10-day standstill period ending on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.

This contract presents an opportunity for businesses operating in the biomedical equipment sector, particularly those involved in manufacturing products for research purposes. The direct award to Vitrolife Ltd signifies the demand for highly specialized solutions in the healthcare industry. Companies with expertise in developing and supplying unique medical equipment, like the Embryoscope system, may find lucrative prospects in similar procurement processes.

## Notice

Embryoscope - Time Lapse Incubation and Imaging System

### Lot Information

Lot 1

QE Facilities have a requirement to replace our existing Time-lapse Incubation and Imaging System situated in the IVF Laboratory, that supports assisted conception treatments. The equipment must have the ability to be able to continuously monitor embryo cell divisions while the embryos remain in the incubator with associated embryo selection software. The timelapse footage should be accessible to staff and patients. The equipment should be compatible with the existing Noblegen NG1 nitrogen generator and have the capacity for 8 dishes (min). This procurement aims to include purchase, associated consumables, installation, and ongoing service and maintenance.

### Procurement Information

A PIN was published to notify potentially interested suppliers of the upcoming procurement for the Time-lapse Incubation and Imaging System. The PIN only received one response which met the authorities requirement of the Time-Lapse Incubation and Imaging System. This response has led to the decision to directly award the contract to Vitrolife, for the procurement of the Embryoscope system, without conducting a formal tender procedure in accordance with article 32, whereby a direct award may be made in a situation where no suitable alternatives exist and a lack of competition for technical reasons occurs. The Embryoscope incubation system is a unique and highly specialised product with no equivalent alternatives in the market. Vitrolife's technology, experience, and reputation in the field provide additional justification for the direct award. Given the unique circumstances, namely the lack of interest shown in response to the PIN, and the unique nature of the Embryoscope incubation system, the authority feels it is justified to issue a VEAT notice for a direct award to Vitrolife. This process ensures the transparency of the contract award decision. The authority will conclude the process and enter into a formal contract on Wednesday 3rd January 2024, subject to a10 day standstill period which closes at 00:00 Tuesday 2nd January 2024.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037867-2023 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Limited |
| Procurement method details | Negotiated without publication of a contract notice |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 22 Dec 2023 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 22 Dec 2023 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £225,070 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | QE FACILITIES |
| Locality | GATESHEAD |
| Post town | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Postcode | NE9 6SX |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear |
| ITL 3 | TLC43 Tyneside |
| Local authority | Gateshead |
| Electoral ward | High Fell |
| Westminster constituency | Gateshead Central and Whickham |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | VITROLIFE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

### Codes

- 33100000 - Medical equipments
- 38434540 - Biomedical equipment

## Release History

- 22 Dec 2023 at 14:52 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037867-2023

## Notice URLs

- https://www.qefacilities.co.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0429a1.json.
