Scope
Reference
CAV-DCO (25-26) 97
Description
The All Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS), hosted by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board at the University Hospital of Wales, intends to award a contract for the provision of a single array platform to support both germline and acquired copy number analysis. The platform must be compatible with DNA extracted from a variety of sample types, including blood, amniotic fluid, bone marrow, and other tissues, and demonstrate proven clinical utility across these applications.
Due to the current scanning equipment nearing end-of-life and the absence of capital funding, the contract will include the provision of a loaned scanner for the full duration of the agreement, supplied under a reagent rental or similar arrangement. The supplier will retain ownership of the scanner and will be responsible for its maintenance and support throughout the contract term, at no additional cost.
The successful supplier, Illumina, will provide all necessary software free of charge, ensure continuity of service by supplying a replacement scanner of identical specification if required, and cover all associated maintenance and support costs.
Contract 1. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ARRAY and reagents platform
Supplier
Contract value
- £736,057.56 excluding VAT
- £883,269.03 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
23 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 24 October 2025 to 23 October 2027
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The proposed contract will run for a period of two years, during which Illumina will provide the array platform, associated software, and a loaned scanner under a reagent rental arrangement. While this term ensures continuity of service and avoids capital expenditure, key risks include potential dependency on a single supplier, limited flexibility to switch platforms due to integration and validation requirements, and reliance on the supplier's ability to maintain and replace equipment promptly. These risks are mitigated by contractual provisions requiring full maintenance, software support, and guaranteed replacement of the scanner if needed, all at no additional cost.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
This procurement is justified under single supplier grounds due to both exclusive rights and technical reasons. Illumina is the sole provider of the required array platform and associated software, which are protected by intellectual property and cannot be legally or technically replicated by alternative suppliers. The platform is uniquely validated for both germline and acquired copy number analysis across multiple sample types, and its integration with existing workflows and clinical protocols makes substitution technically unfeasible. Additionally, Illumina is the only supplier able to offer the required reagent rental model, including a loaned scanner with full maintenance and replacement guarantees, ensuring continuity of service without additional cost.
Supplier
illumina
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJYV-5767-DHDP
19 Granta Park, Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6DF
United Kingdom
Email: ymachell@illumina.com
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ARRAY and reagents platform
Contracting authority
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
- 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 Services Partnership (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
Summary of their role in this procurement: The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) is a national organisation that provides a range of essential support services to NHS Wales. It is hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, which means Velindre is legally and administratively responsible for its governance and operation. NWSSP was established to deliver shared services more efficiently and consistently across all Health Boards and
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWV-6492-CGMN
4-5 Charnwood Court Heol Billingsley
Cardiff
CF15 7QZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKL15 - Central Valleys
Contact organisation
Contact NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust) for any enquiries.