---
title: "Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST"
published: "2026-03-05"
---

# Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL

Buyer: MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9

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## Summary

The procurement process involves Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust contracting SPT Labtech for the supply of two Firefly liquid handling systems, specifically the 6-head genomics model with ATL. This direct award, concluded under technical reasons and exclusive rights, seeks to expand capacity in the genomic laboratory located in Trafford, UK. The procurement, falling under the Medical Equipment category, ensures continuity with the existing Firefly platform, catering to service capacity needs and operational consilience within a regulated clinical setting. Key dates include the contract commencement on 16 March 2026, with a contractual period extending to 15 March 2027, reflecting the finalised contract phase.

This tender presents a unique opportunity for businesses in the medical equipment industry to explore similar partnerships with entities like Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting an affinity for suppliers with compatible technologies. While the procurement restricts competition due to technical specificity, businesses able to innovate within similar technological platforms or offer complementary services may find growth potential within the NHS infrastructure. Companies specialising in genomic technologies and laboratory workflows, particularly those proven in interoperability and compatibility, may be ideally suited to engage in forthcoming opportunities in this sector. Additionally, the deal underscores the importance of establishing proprietary systems to secure long-term contractual engagements.

## Notice

Procurement of 2 Firefly genomics (6 head) with ATL. The proposed procurement relates to additional units that are technically compatible and interoperable with this platform.

### Procurement Information

The Trust intends to award a contract to SPT Labtech Ltd for the supply of two Firefly liquid handling systems. The Trust maintains an established installed base of Firefly instrumentation supporting an existing genomic laboratory workflow. The proposed procurement relates to additional units that are technically compatible and interoperable with this platform. Platform continuity is required to ensure alignment with validated methods, existing laboratory configuration and operational processes within a regulated clinical environment. Introduction of an alternative system would require additional development, validation and configuration changes and would not provide equivalent technical compatibility with the current platform. The requirement reflects service capacity and business continuity planning. The equipment being procured is identical to systems already installed and operational within the Trust. SPT Labtech Ltd is the sole manufacturer and authorised supplier of the Firefly system in the United Kingdom. No other economic operator is able to supply this specific equipment. Accordingly, competition is absent for technical reasons and due to the protection of exclusive rights.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019751-2026 |
| Notice type | UK5 - Transparency Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 5 Mar 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 5 Mar 2026 |
| Contract period | 16 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £415,274 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST |
| Locality | TRAFFORD |
| Post town | Manchester |
| Postcode | M41 5SL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLD3 Greater Manchester |
| ITL 3 | TLD34 Greater Manchester South West |
| Local authority | Trafford |
| Electoral ward | Davyhulme |
| Westminster constituency | Stretford and Urmston |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | SPT LABTECH |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

### Codes

- 33100000 - Medical equipments

## Release History

- 5 Mar 2026 at 09:34 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019751-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019751-2026
  5th March 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.mft.nhs.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-0662a9. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0662a9.json.