Scope
Reference
C377418
Description
NHSBT have requirements to cryopreserve haemopoietic stem cells for transplantation and Tissue Services cryopreserve processed tissue allografts (such as skin, arteries and heart valves). To ensure cell viability, the cells / tissues have to be frozen at a controlled rate prior to storing in vapour phase nitrogen at a temperature below-150°C. Rapid freezing would cause cell/tissue damage and result in the loss of cell/tissue viability; as such the products must be slowed at a rate no quicker than -2°C /minute until they are below -40°C. A controlled rate freezer is the best way of achieving the slow rate of freeze required.
NHSBT currently have 28 controlled rate freezers across 6 sites that require a maintenance contract.
Contract 1. Maintenance of Existing Controlled Rate Freezers
Supplier
Contract value
- £425,155.60 excluding VAT
- £510,186.72 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
27 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 March 2026 to 29 February 2028
- Possible extension to 28 February 2030
- 3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
2x 12 months cumulative extensions available - Maximum extension date 28/02/2030
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
2x 12 months cumulative extensions available - Maximum extension date 28/02/2030
CPV classifications
- 50420000 - Repair and maintenance services of medical and surgical equipment
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Planer are the only supplier able to maintain our current supplied controlled rate freezers.
Supplier
Planer Limited
- Companies House: 00651504
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWBH-3147-XXWX
110 Windmill Road, Sunbury-On-Thames
Middlesex
TW16 7HD
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Maintenance of Existing Controlled Rate Freezers
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government