---
title: "Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06b335"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06b335"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b335.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b335.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH"
published: "2026-06-11"
---

# Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06b335

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## Summary

The University of Edinburgh has successfully completed the procurement process for a high-tech laboratory equipment contract, awarded to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Ltd. The contract, titled "Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser," falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. This procurement process, recorded under the OCID ocds-h6vhtk-06b335, was conducted using a limited procurement method, justified by the absence of competition due to technical reasons. The contract was signed on the 11th of June 2026 and involves the acquisition of equipment tailored for integration into the Edinburgh Genome Foundry's automated platform for cell-based assays, located in the UK region UKM75.

This procurement presents notable opportunities for businesses specialising in high-precision laboratory technologies, particularly those capable of offering integrated solutions that support automation within laboratory settings. Companies that focus on advancing laboratory efficiency through innovative, multifunctional equipment might find this sector rewarding. The collaboration potential with international Biofoundries and laboratories that utilise similar platforms also opens up pathways for firms that are keen on standardising workflows and engaging in technological partnerships. This contract signifies a move towards more automated, high-throughput laboratory operations, appealing particularly to businesses that can bridge laboratory science with technical innovation.

## Notice

Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

### Lot Information

Lot 1

We are awarding a contract to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Limited for the purchase of the Cytation 9 Imager and the 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser based on their ability to meet specific technical and operational requirements. The Edinburgh Genome Foundry is undergoing major expansion to incorporate a fully automated platform for the handling and analysis of mammalian cells. For a piece of kit to be integrated in such an automated platform, it needs to be designed especially for this purpose. The Agilent Cytation 9 combines high-content imaging, multimode microplate reading, and both upright and inverted microscopy within a single instrument. The Agilent BioTek 406 FX also combines automated washing and reagent dispensing capabilities, together with built-in ultrasonic maintenance technology (key for fully automated operations) within a single integrated system. This is a unique combination of capabilities that would otherwise require multiple instruments. It is necessary for these instruments to perform multiple functions due to essential requirement to fit a robotic platform in a limited space and therefore it is not possible to have separate standalone instruments performing each function. The Agilent solutions provide the required functionality while maintaining the performance standards necessary for advanced cell-based assay workflows. Furthermore, the Cytation 9 and 406 FX are designed to operate as complementary components within automated cell-based assay workflows. This integrated workflow enables efficient end-to-end automation, reduces manual intervention, and supports the facility's requirement for high-throughput, reproducible operation. The facility also collaborates extensively with international Biofoundries and partner laboratories that utilise the same platform. Adoption of this equipment will facilitate collaboration, enable the exchange of validated protocols and data, and support standardisation of workflows across laboratories, which is a key requirement within Engineering Biology.

### Procurement Information

After comprehensive market engagement, competition is absent for technical reasons. No reasonable alternative or substitute exists and the absence of competition is not the result of an artificial narrowing down of the parameters of the procurement. This notice is the final piece of due diligence prior to the award of the contract. Should a supplier detail their ability to meet the requirements, then the award will be halted.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055331-2026 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| 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 | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 11 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 10 Jun 2026 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £194,999 |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH |
| Locality | EDINBURGH |
| Post town | Edinburgh |
| Postcode | EH1 1HT |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM1 East Central Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM13 City of Edinburgh |
| Local authority | City of Edinburgh |
| Electoral ward | City Centre |
| Westminster constituency | Edinburgh East and Musselburgh |
| Delivery location | TLM75 City of Edinburgh |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

### Codes

- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

## Release History

- 11 Jun 2026 at 14:13 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055331-2026

## Notice URLs

- http://www.ed.ac.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000834473
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107

## 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-06b335. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06b335.json.