Scope
Reference
PR-4808
Description
This Framework provides access to laboratory automation equipment for anatomical pathology across five lots: tissue embedding, block facing, slide preparation, storage systems, and block transportation.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Lot 1. Automated Tissue Embedding Systems
Description
Provision of a system that is able to automate the process of embedding tissue specimens in paraffin to create tissue blocks and all associated services.
Lot 2. Tissue Block Facing Systems
Description
Provision of a system that is able to provide automated facing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks and all associated services.
Lot 3. Automated Slide Preparation Systems
Description
Provision of a system that is able to automate the process of sectioning paraffin blocks and mounting tissue sections onto glass slides and all associated services.
Lot 4. Storage and Archiving Systems (for both blocks and slides)
Description
Provision of a system that is able to provide organised storage and retrieval of histological specimens, including both FFPE tissue blocks and microscope slides and all associated services.
Lot 5. Block Transportation Systems
Description
Provision of a system that is able to automate the transport of FFPE blocks between laboratory workstations including embedding, microtomy, and storage areas and all associated services.
Lot 6. Aggregated Lot
Description
Aggregation of Lot option (1-5) is designed to accommodate suppliers who can offer more than one lot service provision, combining them under a single agreement. This approach ensures that the Participating Authorities have access to a variety of services either from a single supplier or a cooperative of suppliers, enhancing the convenience and adapting a solution to their needs.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
6 November 2033
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
3%
Framework operation description
Commencement Date of first Framework.
Duration of first framework: 2 years.
Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Second framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Third framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of third framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Forth framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
The framework will be open to all UK contracting authorities as defined in Section 1 of the Procurement Act 2023. In particular, entities of a health and/or social care nature listed in the spreadsheet at https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/economicstatisticsclassifications/introductiontoeconomicstatisticsclassifications are envisaged as users.
This includes each organisation's successors, assigns, equivalents, and associated bodies formed through organisational changes. The framework is open to: any UK health/social care bodies; organisations with similar procurement needs; and UK central government authorities listed in Annex I of Directive 2014/24/EU, where still relevant under retained EU law and consistent with the Procurement Act 2023.
Contract 1. HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Axlab Ltd
Lots
Lot 1. Automated Tissue Embedding Systems
Lot 2. Tissue Block Facing Systems
Lot 3. Automated Slide Preparation Systems
Lot 4. Storage and Archiving Systems (for both blocks and slides)
Lot 5. Block Transportation Systems
Lot 6. Aggregated Lot
Supplier
Contract value
- £40,000,000 excluding VAT
- £42,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
6 November 2025
Contract dates
- 6 November 2025 to 5 November 2027
- Possible extension to 5 November 2033
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
Commencement Date of first Framework.
Duration of first framework: 2 years.
Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Second framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Third framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of third framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Forth framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33124110 - Diagnostic systems
- 33124100 - Diagnostic devices
- 33910000 - Pathology dissection instruments and supplies
- 48921000 - Automation system
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Signed contract documents
HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Axlab Ltd CDN.pdf
Contract 2. HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Technopath Distribution Ltd
Lots
Lot 2. Tissue Block Facing Systems
Lot 3. Automated Slide Preparation Systems
Lot 6. Aggregated Lot
Supplier
Contract value
- £40,000,000 excluding VAT
- £42,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
6 November 2025
Contract dates
- 6 November 2025 to 5 November 2027
- Possible extension to 5 November 2033
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
Commencement Date of first Framework.
Duration of first framework: 2 years.
Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Second framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Third framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
Re-opening of third framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry.
Forth framework commencement and duration: 2 years.
HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33124110 - Diagnostic systems
- 33124100 - Diagnostic devices
- 33910000 - Pathology dissection instruments and supplies
- 48921000 - Automation system
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Signed contract documents
HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Technopath Distribution Ltd CDN.pdf
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
Axlab Ltd
- Companies House: 14471643
112c High Street
Ipswich
IP7 5EL
United Kingdom
Email: matt.anderton@axlab.co.uk
Website: https://axlab.co.uk/
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Axlab Ltd
Technopath Distribution Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYBC-6237-DXNL
1A-1D Fort Henry Business Park
Tipperary
V94 N248
Ireland
Email: mary.doyle@techno-path.com
Website: https://www.techno-path.com/
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. HTE Framework Anatomical Pathology Automation Terms and Conditions - Technopath Distribution Ltd
Contracting authority
Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS Organisation Data Service: RAJ
Nether Mayne
Basildon
SS16 5NL
United Kingdom
Contact name: Customer Care
Telephone: 01268 524900
Email: customercare@htepg.com
Website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk/
Region: UKH37 - Essex Thames Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
HealthTrust Europe LLP
Summary of their role in this procurement: On 11th August 2021, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE) published a contract notice for procurement partner services. HealthTrust Europe LLP (HTE) was selected to provide these services under the MSE Framework, including access to HTE's public sector frameworks. HTE is now conducting this procurement exercise as part of its services to the Customers under the MSE Framework.
- Companies House: OC358224
19 George Road
Birmingham
B15 1NU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Customer Care
Telephone: 08458875000
Email: customercare@htepg.com
Website: https://www.healthtrusteurope.com
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham