Scope
Reference
250253
Description
School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Biological Services Unit (BSU) wishes to purchase and install a rodent metabolic cage system at the BSU, which can offer high-resolution, real-time collection of metabolic, and behavioural phenotyping data in mice. This includes simultaneously measuring energy expenditure, food and water consumption and physical activity in live animals.
• Please note: - The execution of this tender & contract will be solely dependent on grant funding being received, which is estimated to be confirmed in November 2025.
• No award will be made, or orders issued until the grant funding has been confirmed. If grant funding is not secured, the market will be notified, and this procurement exercise will be stood down.
Total value (estimated)
- £391,250 excluding VAT
- £469,500 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2035
- Possible extension to 15 December 2045
- 20 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
option to extend maintenance, software updates/ development, consumables & ancillary items, beyond this period for a further period of up to 10 years or the end of useful life of the equipment.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38430000 - Detection and analysis apparatus
- 38432000 - Analysis apparatus
Contract locations
- UKN06 - Belfast
Submission
Tender submission deadline
6 November 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | • Technical - 45% - made up of:- • Sustainability - 5% • Desirables - 25% • Ease of use - 5% • Servicing and maintenance - 10% • Price - 55% • Mandatory Specification - Pass/... |
Price |
Weighting description
• Technical - 45% - made up of:-
• Sustainability - 5%
• Desirables - 25%
• Ease of use - 5%
• Servicing and maintenance - 10%
• Price - 55%
• Mandatory Specification - Pass/Fail
Other information
Payment terms
30 days after delivery, upon receipt of a valid and undisputed invoice.
Description of risks to contract performance
QUB recognises that certain risks associated with the procurement and operation of a metabolic monitoring system for mice are not fully quantifiable at the time of tender. These 'known unknowns' include, but are not limited to, technology evolution, integration challenges, supply chain disruptions, and software lifecycle changes, increased value or scope due to demand requirements. Suppliers are expected to identify any foreseeable risks, propose mitigation strategies, and demonstrate flexibility in addressing emerging issues throughout the contract lifecycle.
Whilst it is not possible at this stage to fully anticipate the nature or extent of future developments or integration requirements, nor to determine their potential impact on contract performance, QUB recognises that such changes may arise over the course of the contract. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that these circumstances may necessitate a modification of the contract to appropriately address and accommodate any emerging risks or requirements.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home
Tender documents can be accessed via https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home
Contracting authority
Queen's University Belfast
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: 101788
University Rd
Belfast
BT7 1NN
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@qub.ac.uk
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland