Scope
Reference
250262
Description
The Future Medicines Institute (FMI) requires a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) system with advanced capabilities for real-time, label-free analysis of biomolecular interactions.
(Maximum budget available for Equipment inclusive of 3 years extended warranty & annual preventative maintenance is is £330,000).
The primary objective of procuring an SPR device is to enhance FMI's capacity to characterise binding kinetics, affinity, and specificity of biomolecular interactions, thereby strengthening its protein science and drug discovery workflows.
The proposed system must:
• Provide precise kinetic and affinity measurements for a wide range of biomolecular interactions, including protein-protein, protein-antibody, and protein-small molecule binding.
• Deliver high sensitivity and reproducibility to ensure reliable and quantitative data across experiments.
• Support automation and high-throughput analysis, enabling efficient screening of large sample sets.
• Include robust data analysis software for comprehensive kinetic modelling and data interpretation.
• Offer versatile assay configurations, supporting various experimental formats and immobilisation chemistries.
• Integrate seamlessly with upstream and downstream workflows, including protein purification and structural analysis.
The procurement of a high-performance SPR system directly supports FMI's broader goals of:
• Accelerating drug discovery through rapid identification and characterisation of therapeutic candidates.
• Enhancing biopharmaceutical research by enabling detailed analysis of binding mechanisms critical to biologics development.
• Facilitating translational research by bridging fundamental molecular interaction studies with clinical and therapeutic applications.
This procurement will provide direct benefit to research scientists by:
• Reducing manual intervention and experimental variability through automation and streamlined workflows.
• Enhancing data quality with high-resolution detection and advanced signal processing for accurate kinetic profiling.
• 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)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 21 December 2035
- Possible extension to 21 December 2045
- 20 years
Description of possible extension:
Option to extend maintenance, software updates/development, the supply of consumables and 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
Enquiry deadline
7 November 2025, 4:00pm
Tender submission deadline
14 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)
22 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | Technical - 50%: Made up of- Desirable Technical Requirements - 30% Qualitative requirements - 15% Sustainable Procurement - 5% Price - 50% |
Price |
Weighting description
Technical - 50%: Made up of-
Desirable Technical Requirements - 30%
Qualitative requirements - 15%
Sustainable Procurement - 5%
Price - 50%
Other information
Payment terms
after delivery - 30 days 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 an SPR System are not fully quantifiable at the time of tender. These 'known unknowns' include, but are not limited to, supplier failure and switching costs, technology evolution, integration challenges, data security, regulatory changes, user training & turnover, warranty & service coverage, 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
Intend tender portal
Contracting authority
Queen's University Belfast
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: 101788
University Rd
Belfast
BT7 1NN
United Kingdom
Contact name: Shauna Ryan
Email: procurement@qub.ac.uk
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland