Scope
Reference
250321
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.
Total value (estimated)
- £391,250 excluding VAT
- £469,500 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 January 2026 to 23 January 2046
- Possible extension to 23 January 2056
- 30 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
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
- 38340000 - Instruments for measuring quantities
- 38430000 - Detection and analysis apparatus
- 38970000 - Research, testing and scientific technical simulator
Contract locations
- UKN06 - Belfast
Submission
Tender submission deadline
10 December 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)
12 January 2026
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/Fail |
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
QUB Tender Portal
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