Scope
Reference
UKRI-5642
Description
The Medical Research Council (MRC) have appointed a supplier to provide a service contract for two Polara transmission electron microscopes, a Tecnai Spirit and a Tecnai F20 transmission electron microscope for a period of 3 years.
Contract 1. UKRI-5642 Service Contract for Polara Transmission Electron Microscopes
Supplier
Contract value
- £215,245 excluding VAT
- £258,294 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
6 February 2026
Contract dates
- 7 February 2026 to 31 December 2028
- 2 years, 10 months, 22 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services
- 38511200 - Transmission electron microscope
Contract locations
- UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Not applicable
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The original manufacturer for the Polara’s has stopped providing service contracts for this equipment. ISS Group are now the only supplier with the technical capability and access to parts required to provide a service contract for this equipment.
Supplier
ISS Group Services Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBQM-5421-TVXW
Unit B2, Greenside Way, Greengate Ind. Estate, Middleton
Manchester
M24 1SW
United Kingdom
Email: services@iss-group.co.uk
Region: UKD37 - Greater Manchester North East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. UKRI-5642 Service Contract for Polara Transmission Electron Microscopes
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Contact name: MRC Procurement
Telephone: +441793442000
Email: mrcprocurement@ukri.org
Website: https://www.ukri.org/
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government