Scope
Reference
CAV-DCO (25-26) 71
Description
Cardiff and vale University Health Board, on behalf of the All Wales Genomics Service, intends to award a contract to Covaris , Inc. for the supply of a high throughput sonication system to support Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows. The system is required to process samples in plate formats for downstream NGS library preparation and to expand capacity for somatic cancer testing services in Wales. Covaris is the sole manufacturer of instruments using patented Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology, which is essential for achieving the required reproducibility and performance. No alternative suppliers were identified through market engagement and the equipment is not available via national frameworks. The procurement will cover supply of instrument, consumables and maintenance for three years (with warranty), with option to extend for up to two additional years. This notice is issued in accordance with procurement transparency obligations and to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations.
Contract 1. Purhcase of high Throughput Sonication Systems (Covaris) Including Associated consumables and maintenance
Supplier
Contract value
- £300,000 excluding VAT
- £360,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
1 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029
- Possible extension to 31 December 2031
- 6 years
Description of possible extension:
The Authority shall have the option, exercisable at its sole discretion, to extend the Contract for up to two (2) additional years, such extension(s) to be awarded in annual increments of twelve (12) months each.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33140000 - Medical consumables
- 38400000 - Instruments for checking physical characteristics
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, on behalf of the All Wales Genomics Service, requires the supply, installation, and maintenance of a high throughput sonication system manufactured by Covaris, Inc., utilising proprietary Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology essential for reproducible and consistent Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows. The contract scope covers the delivery of the instrument, associated consumables for three years, and a full warranty including servicing and repairs, with the option to extend for up to two additional years. The system must process samples in plate format to support NGS library preparation and expand somatic cancer testing capacity in Wales, achieving a minimum of 95% uptime availability (excluding planned maintenance), reproducibility across runs compliant with All Wales Genomics Service standards, and seamless compatibility with existing workflows. Supplier obligations include on-site delivery, installation, calibration, commissioning, and validation of performance; provision of initial training for technical staff; access to technical support and software or firmware updates; and guaranteed consumables supply for the full contract term. Performance will be monitored against key indicators, including ≥95% uptime, ≥98% QC compliance in NGS preparation, 24-hour initial response to service requests, and resolution or interim fix of critical failures within 72 hours. This contract is issued in compliance with public procurement regulations, acknowledging Covaris as the sole manufacturer of the required AFA-based technology.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
Covaris Inc. holds exclusive intellectual property rights over its propriety Adaptive Focused Acoustics technology, which is integral to its sample preparation systems. The company owns over 125 issued and pending patents covering acoustic treatment, sample processing, and instrument design. The patents ensure that no other supplier can legally replicate or offer equivalent technology.
Covaris is also the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of its instruments and consumables. It does not license production or distribution to third parties, making it the sole legal source for these products and services.
Covaris equipment is uniquely engineered to support specific workflows in genomics, proteomics, and epigenetics. The AFA technology enables highly controlled and reproducible sample preparation, which is essential for down stream applications such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cancer diagnostics.
Supplier
Covaris
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTCN-6529-GMQY
3 Hunns Mere Way
Brighton
BN2 6AH
United Kingdom
Telephone: 08458720100
Email: ksingh@covaris.com
Region: UKJ21 - Brighton and Hove
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Purhcase of high Throughput Sonication Systems (Covaris) Including Associated consumables and maintenance
Contracting authority
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPPR-7969-BTJG
Woodland House, Maes-y-Coed Road
Cardiff
CF14 4HH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Nicola williams
Telephone: +442921500649
Email: nicola.williams33@nhs.wales.uk
Website: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
NHS Wales shared service partnership hosted by Velindre university NHS
Summary of their role in this procurement: In this procurement, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) - Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, acted as the central contracting authority responsible for managing and publishing the transparency notice. Their role included overseeing the procurement process on behalf of the relevant health board, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and providing
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWV-6492-CGMN
Charnwood Court
Cardiff
CF15 7QZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKL15 - Central Valleys