Scope
Reference
RBGKEW1490
Description
In the Jodrell Laboratory, two LNI Swiss Gas nitrogen generators supply high volumes of high purity nitrogen to four liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) systems (total value exceeding £1m). The LCMS systems are heavily used in the delivery of externally-funded projects and Kew's commercial work. Without nitrogen, the LCMS systems cannot be used. Thus, ensuring the nitrogen generators are properly maintained is critical. LNI Swiss Gas nitrogen generators employ patented scroll pump compressor technology and it is this technology that results in them being inaudible above the typical noise level in an LCMS laboratory. At the time of purchase, the tender process revealed they were unmatched in their quietness with noise level being an important specification in the tender (for H&S reasons). The generators also produce a purity of nitrogen gas that, at the time of procurement, exceeded that of other noisier generators tendered. The annual contract sought covers two preventative maintenance visits for each generator including parts scheduled to be replaced at the service interval, 25% discount on repair labour and 72h response time. Both generators are due for an overhaul of the scroll pump in 2026 resulting in an increased service contract cost in 2026 to cover the extra parts required.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £9,676 excluding VAT
- £11,611 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
29 October 2025
Contract dates
- 5 December 2025 to 4 December 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 38433000 - Spectrometers
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
UVISON Technologies
6 Nepicar Park London Road Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 7AF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ46 - West Kent
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
- Charity Commission (England and Wales): 803428
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGTT-3583-QXLN
THE HERBARIUM
KEW GREEN
TW9 3AE
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@kew.org
Region: UKI75 - Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Organisation type: Public authority - central government