Scope
Description
The primary aim of this procurement is to secure a high-throughput sequencing service provider to perform sequencing services for the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Catapult on a fee-per-service basis. This service will support the CGT Catapult's mission of accelerating the commercialization of innovation from research and overcoming technical barriers in advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) development. The selected provider's services will complement CGT Catapult's unique technical facilities and expertise at its London site.
This procurement seeks comprehensive high-throughput sequencing services. These services will be utilized for deep process characterization, particularly for processes like stem cell differentiation and viral vector manufacturing. The required services include, but are not limited to:
Lot 1 - High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing only)
Lot 2 - Bulk RNA sequencing
Lot 3 - Bulk small RNA sequencing
Lot 4 - Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Lot 5 - AAV genome short-read sequencing
Lot 6 - Sanger sequencing
Lot 1. High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)
Description
For this service, the provider will receive pre-prepared library pools from CGT Catapult ready for sequencing. These libraries may originate from various sources and experimental designs, representing the final product of CGT Catapult's library preparation efforts. The service should include a Quality Control (QC) step to ascertain whether the provided library sample is considered suitable for downstream sequencing. This QC should evaluate factors such as the presence of adapter artifacts and confirm a minimum yield/concentration. The required throughput per run will vary based on project needs, but typical requirements for human cell-based applications often range from 20 to 30 million reads per sample for messenger RNA profiling and from 40 to 50 million reads per sample for total RNA profiling. Readouts other than gene expression may have other minimum read number requirements. Sequencing should be performed with flexibility for both single-read and paired-end sequencing modes, with read lengths up to 150 bp. The option for specifying read strandedness should also be available, as required by the experimental design. Typically, sample QC should be completed within 1-5 business days of receipt of the library pool(s). Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Lot 2. Bulk RNA sequencing
Description
This service will typically involve library preparation and sequencing from cell pellets or isolated RNA samples provided by CGT Catapult. These samples will be derived from various cell lines undergoing different processes. The sequencing throughput, read strandedness, and mode will be contingent on project needs. Additionally, the provider should offer tiered support for data analysis, ranging from raw data processing (e.g., demultiplexing, adapter trimming, read alignment, quantification of gene counts) to statistical analysis (e.g., differential gene expression analysis, clustering) and functional enrichment analysis (e.g., pathway enrichment analysis), contingent on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot 3. Bulk small RNA sequencing
Description
For bulk small RNA sequencing, the provider will generally receive cell pellets, cell culture supernatant, or extracted RNA samples from CGT Catapult. These samples will be used to profile microRNAs and other small non-coding RNAs. The provider should also offer tiered support for data analysis, ranging from raw data processing to statistical analysis, including annotation to known microRNAs or other small RNA types (e.g., piRNAs) and de novo small RNA discovery, contingent on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot 4. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Description
This service will involve library preparation and sequencing where cryopreserved or fixed cell samples will be provided by CGT Catapult. The throughput for single-cell sequencing should accommodate varying project sizes with regards to number of samples, number of profiled cells per sample, and number of reads to obtain per cell. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Lot 5. AAV genome sequencing
Description
This service will involve analysis of AAV samples (final product) to confirm packaged AAV genome sequence and detect any DNA impurities in the sample. Different AAV serotypes may be used. For a sequencing-only service, AAV genomes will be extracted and libraries generated at CGT Catapult and sent to the provider for downstream sequencing. For end-to-end QC analysis of AAV samples, CGT Catapult samples will be sent to the provider for library generation and QC. Long-read sequencing using PacBio instrumentation will be performed to assess AAV genome integrity, while short-read sequencing will be utilized to confirm sequence of AAV vectors and identify contaminants. Specific requirements for this AAV analysis will depend on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot 6. Sanger sequencing
Description
This service is required for targeted sequencing applications, such as confirming effective gene knockout after CRISPR-Cas9 editing, validating the successful insertion of gene cassettes, or verifying specific point mutations. CGT Catapult will typically provide purified DNA samples (e.g., plasmid DNA, PCR amplicons) for this service. The provider should offer robust quality control to ensure sample suitability, followed by sequencing and primary data analysis, including trace visualization and base calling. The expected output is high-quality sequence reads for individual targets, enabling precise validation of genetic modifications. This service typically takes 1-5 business days from sample receipt.
Contract 1. Lot 1 - High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing only)
Lots
Lot 1. High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,471 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 January 2026 to 5 January 2027
- Possible extension to 5 January 2029
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract 2. Lot 4 - Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Lots
Lot 4. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Supplier
Contract value
- £126,724.50 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 January 2026 to 5 January 2027
- Possible extension to 4 January 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 3. Lot 6 - Sanger sequencing
Lots
Lot 6. Sanger sequencing
Supplier
Contract value
- £190 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2027
- Possible extension to 5 December 2029
- 3 years, 10 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 4. Lot 3 - Bulk small RNA
Lots
Lot 3. Bulk small RNA sequencing
Supplier
Contract value
- £6,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2027
- Possible extension to 5 January 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 5. Lot 2 - Bulk RNA sequencing
Lots
Lot 2. Bulk RNA sequencing
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,245 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 January 2026 to 5 January 2027
- Possible extension to 4 January 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 6. Lot 5 - AAV genome sequencing
Lots
Lot 5. AAV genome sequencing
Supplier
Contract value
- £5,087.52 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
5 December 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2027
- Possible extension to 5 January 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Information about tenders
Lot 1. High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)
- 6 tenders received
- 6 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 4 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 5 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 2. Bulk RNA sequencing
- 6 tenders received
- 6 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 4 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 5 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 3. Bulk small RNA sequencing
- 5 tenders received
- 5 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 4 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 4. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 2 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 5. AAV genome sequencing
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 6. Sanger sequencing
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Suppliers
Biomarker Technologies (BMK) GmbH
19F13, Mereside C/O Logistics No. 21,
Alderley Park
SK10 4TG
United Kingdom
Email: tech@bmkcloud.com
Region: UKD62 - Cheshire East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 5. Lot 2 - Bulk RNA sequencing
EDINBURGH GENETICS LIMITED
- Companies House: SC650426
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYHR-1723-HVMX
Pentlands Science Park
Penicuik
EH26 0PZ
United Kingdom
Email: customerservice@eggenetics.com
Website: http://eggenetics.com
Region: UKM73 - East Lothian and Midlothian
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 4. Lot 3 - Bulk small RNA
GENEWIZ UK LIMITED
- Companies House: 09937828
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNYY-7229-LHCX
Little Bullocks Farm, Hope End
Bishop's Stortford
CM22 6TA
United Kingdom
Email: salesops.genomics@azenta.com
Website: https://www.genewiz.com/
Region: UKH35 - West Essex
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing only)
Contract 2. Lot 4 - Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Contract 3. Lot 6 - Sanger sequencing
NOVOGENE (UK) COMPANY LIMITED
- Companies House: 09353226
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWPB-6441-HXZL
2nd Floor, Bio-Innovation Centre 25 Cambridge Science Park
Cambridge
CB4 0FW
United Kingdom
Email: service.uki@novogene-europe.com
Website: https://www.novogene.com/
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 6. Lot 5 - AAV genome sequencing
Contracting authority
CELL THERAPY CATAPULT LIMITED
- Companies House: 07964711
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNLN-8116-PBCH
12th Floor Tower Wing B
London
SE1 9RT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government