General Laboratory Equipment - Supply and Maintenance
Framework Description
APUC's General Laboratory Equipment - Supply and Maintenance framework covers laboratory equipment and its maintenance for universities and colleges. It has 13 lots, from centrifuges and environmental storage to water purification, gas detection, lab automation, refurbished equipment and a one-stop-shop lot. The current term ends on 30 September 2027, with an option to extend by 12 months to 30 September 2028.
Context & Use Case
Research groups, teaching labs and technical services teams use it to buy and maintain everyday lab equipment, from fridges and freezers to measurement and safety equipment. The refurbished equipment lot gives a lower-cost, lower-carbon option, while the one-stop-shop lot suits buyers wanting one supplier for mixed needs. Maintenance is covered as well as supply, so equipment can be serviced under the same agreement.
Scope of Services
Centrifuges; Measurement equipment; Safety equipment Environmental control equipment; Environmental monitoring systems Environmental storage: fridges and freezers; other storage Water purification equipment for laboratories Gas monitoring and detection equipment Liquid handling robotics and laboratory automation systems One stop shop; General miscellaneous Refurbished equipment
Lots
Centrifuges; Environmental Control Equipment; Safety Equipment; Measurement Equipment; Environmental Storage - Fridges and Freezers; Environmental Storage - Other; General Miscellaneous; Water Purification Equipment for Laboratories; Environmental Monitoring Systems; Gas Monitoring and Detection Equipment; One Stop Shop; Liquid Handling Robotics and Laboratory Automation Systems; Refurbished Equipment
Who Can Apply
Suits laboratory equipment manufacturers, distributors, service engineers and refurbishers. Applications for this framework are closed, so suppliers not already appointed cannot join until APUC re-tenders it, likely around September 2027 or a year later if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Lab equipment must be reliable and maintained to protect research. A framework with specialist lots gives buyers suppliers already assessed on product quality and servicing, with agreed prices, and refurbished options help institutions meet sustainability targets. Lab automation and robotics lots give access to specialist systems that are hard to tender alone.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should promote their lots to research and technical teams. Others should read the Public Contracts Scotland notice (NOV518811), choose the lots that fit their range, and prepare service coverage, sustainability and refurbishment evidence for the re-tender. Watch for the extension decision due by September 2027.
How Athena Can Help
Lab equipment competitions are often won on specification, servicing and sustainability. Athena's technical bid writing turns product data into answers that score.
Ahead of the re-tender, our multi-lot framework strategy helps you choose among the 13 lots and prepares the application. Our public sector equipment pricing advice helps you price equipment and maintenance so the offer wins and stays profitable across a multi-year service term, with a compliance check before you submit.
