High Value Laboratory Equipment
Framework Description
High Value Laboratory Equipment (LAB3162 NW) is a framework let by NWUPC (North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium). Its five lots cover magnetic resonance equipment; X-ray, imaging, elemental and micro-analysis equipment and microscopy; spectroscopy; mechanical, thermal and physical testing; and radiation safety and detection. Installation, warranty and training come with the equipment. It runs from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2027, with no extension option. This framework is used by APUC and SUPC.
Context & Use Case
Universities and research institutes use it for capital instrument purchases that would otherwise need a full tender because of their value, such as NMR systems, electron microscopes, spectrometers and materials testing rigs. Typical triggers are new research grants, laboratory refurbishments and the replacement of ageing instruments. Lots are split by technology, so buyers reach suppliers specialising in the instrument they need.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Magnetic resonance equipment Lot 2: X-ray, imaging, elemental and micro-analysis equipment and microscopy instruments Lot 3: Spectroscopy equipment Lot 4: Mechanical, thermal and physical testing equipment Lot 5: Radiation safety and detection equipment
Lots
Lot 01 - Magnetic Resonance Equipment; Lot 02 - X-Ray, Imaging, Elemental & Micro Analysis Equipment and Microscopy Instruments; Lot 03 - Spectroscopy Equipment; Lot 04 - Mechanical, Thermal and Physical Testing Equipment; Lot 05 - Radiation Safety & Detection Equipment
Who Can Apply
Suits manufacturers and authorised distributors of high-value scientific instruments that can support installation and servicing at university sites. Applications for this framework are closed. With no extension available, NWUPC's re-tender is likely to run before 31 July 2027, and that is the next chance to win a place.
Buyer Benefits
Research teams can buy expensive instruments quickly when grant money is time-limited, without running a full procurement. NWUPC has already evaluated suppliers, so the university's effort goes into the technical specification and comparing value. Using one consortium agreement for many purchases also gives finance teams consistent terms across departments.
Next Steps
The agreement ends on 31 July 2027 with no extension, so NWUPC's replacement procurement is likely to appear during the first half of 2027. Watch NWUPC's notices, decide which of the five lots you would bid for, and gather university references, service level data and installation evidence now. Appointed suppliers should keep responding to call-offs and log outcomes for the re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
The re-tender for this agreement is likely within the next year, so now is the time to prepare. Our framework registration specialists can line up the selection answers, accreditations and case studies NWUPC is likely to ask for.
When the tender opens, our bid writing team drafts technical responses to the evaluation criteria and builds a pricing model suited to high-value equipment. We also offer bid/no-bid support if you are unsure which instrument categories to pursue.
