Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
University of Southampton
University Road, Highfield
Southampton
SO171BJ
Contact
Danielle Stephenson
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ32 - Southampton
UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number)
10007158
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Other type
Higher Education Institution not subject to PCR15 or any replacement legislation
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Cell Sorter for Biological Sciences
Reference number
2024UoS-1337
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 38500000 - Checking and testing apparatus
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Biological Sciences have a requirement for a cell sorter, an instrument with the capability to separate and sort a mixed population of biological cells into different fractions for analysis or ongoing growth in separate cultures.
Once sorted, cells must be kept sterile and uncontaminated, the cell sorter will have the capability of sorting populations into a multi-well plate format inside an integral biological safety cabinet.
This requirement includes training for University staff and ongoing technical and experimental support.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £532,016.57
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33197000 - Medical computer equipment
- 38431000 - Detection apparatus
- 38432000 - Analysis apparatus
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ32 - Southampton
Main site or place of performance
University of Southampton
University Road
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This procurement builds on a pressing need for a system capable of spectral high-performance, multi-parameter fluorescence-activated cell/nucleus sorting that will serve a cross-disciplinary consortium of research groups in life sciences at the University of Southampton and external academic and industrial collaborators within the South of England, investigating the mechanisms underpinning human health and aging, and food and environmental sustainability. The system will integrate significant
advancements in cell and nuclear sorting, allowing the highest power, performance, and flexibility, enabling researchers across diverse disciplines in biological and computational sciences and bioengineering, with the highest relevance to those interested in temporal and spatial changes in cell states within tissues and microbial and environmental systems and how this defines
their heterogeneities, functional relationships, and interaction with their environment. The advanced multi-parameter sorter will act as a hub that catalyses new cross-disciplinary collaborations between its diverse user base, from basic biology to ioengineering and biotechnology. This will be facilitated through
established regional partnerships with the BBSRC National Biofilm and Innovation Centre (NBIC) and South Coast Biosciences Doctoral Partnership (SoCoBio DTP).
The University proposes to enter into a Contract for 39 months with the successful tenderer(s).
This will comprise of an initial contract period of 39 months for the provision of the cell sorter including a 12 month warranty with a 36 month support and maintenance (to run concurrently) subject to the satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the University.
The contract will be effective on signing. The initial term of the warranty of 12 months will run from the date of acceptance of the equipment.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Hardware Requirement / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Software Requirement / Weighting: 4
Quality criterion - Name: Automation / Weighting: 11
Quality criterion - Name: Detection and discrimination of specimens for ongoing sorting into multiple fractions / Weighting: 8
Quality criterion - Name: Experimental Flexibility / Weighting: 4
Quality criterion - Name: Output / Weighting: 8
Quality criterion - Name: Input / Weighting: 6
Quality criterion - Name: Acceptance / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Warranty and Servicing Provision / Weighting: 5
Quality criterion - Name: Training and Delivery / Weighting: 5
Quality criterion - Name: Sustainability / Weighting: 5
Price - Weighting: 40
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-036605
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
6 March 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 3
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Life Technologies Limited
Paisley
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire
Companies House
SC083107
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £532,016.57
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
University of Southampton
Southampton
Country
United Kingdom