Scope
Reference
SSP-DIR (25-26) 136
Description
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnerships (NWSSP) Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory (SMTL) are looking to renew their Service and Maintenance contract that covers two (2) Instron 3345 and 34SC-5 Tensometers.
These devices are compact electromechanical testing systems designed for tension, compression, and flexure tests on materials. They apply precise forces up to 5 kN and measures load, displacement, and strain with high accuracy, using complex proprietary software for control and data analysis. For NHS Wales, these devices validate the strength and durability of medical devices and biocompatible materials, support research and development, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately improving patient safety, reducing procurement risks, and enhancing quality assurance in healthcare applications.
Previously SMTL and Procurement Services had entered a 3-year Service and Maintenance contract with the supplier which is due to expire on the 28th February 2026. Due to National and International Standards, we test against required specific limits for medical devices, therefore a reliable and accurately performing calibrated test unit is essential.
Instron manufactured both the test units and bespoke software and as such have a unique and full understanding of how the test unit and software interact. They are the sole supplier of replacement parts and software checks and updates, and as such there is no other company who can offer this service in the UK.
NWSSP are looking to complete a Direct Award to Instron due to them being the only supplier of the devices/services and relevant software through IP rights under Schedule 5.5 a & b of the Procurement Act 2023, The following conditions are met in relation to the public contract-
(a) due to a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
(b) there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
Contract 1. On site calibration and service of Instron 3345 and 34SC-5 Tensometers
Supplier
Contract value
- £39,686.50 excluding VAT
- £47,623.80 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
Instron - Division of ITW Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGGX-2826-LVCT
Saxon House, 2-4 Victoria Street
Windsor
SL4 1EN
United Kingdom
Email: trudi_gregory@instron.com
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Contract 1. On site calibration and service of Instron 3345 and 34SC-5 Tensometers
Contracting authority
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWV-6492-CGMN
4-5 Charnwood Court,
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Michael Butler
Email: michael.butler2@wales.nhs.uk
Website: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales