IUPC Lab Gases
Framework Description
IUPC Lab Gases (LAB4060 SU), launched as the Laboratory Gases and Associated Equipment framework, is let by SUPC (Southern Universities Procurement Consortium) and made available to APUC member institutions. Its lots cover compressed industrial, medical and research gases, dry ice, liquid helium, bulk liquid nitrogen, regulators and fittings, dispensing systems and gas safety training. Applications for this framework are closed, and it runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029, with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
Universities use it to keep teaching and research laboratories supplied with the gases needed for experiments and analytical instruments. Supply has to be reliable and safe, because shortages halt research and gases carry handling risks. Laboratory managers, technical services and estates teams typically order against it on a recurring basis.
Scope of Services
Compressed industrial gases; compressed medical gases Compressed research and special gases and gas mixtures Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) Liquid helium Liquid nitrogen in bulk Gas regulators, handling equipment, fixtures and fittings Dispensing gases and associated systems Gas safety training courses
Lots
Lot 1 - Compressed Industrial Gases; Lot 2 - Compressed Medical Gases; Lot 3 - Compressed Research/Special Gases and Gas Mixtures; Lot 4 - Solid Carbon Dioxide (CO2, Dry Ice); Lot 5 - Liquid Helium; Lot 7 - Liquid Nitrogen in Bulk; Lot 8 - Gas Regulators and Handling Equipment; Lot 9 - Assorted Fixtures and Fittings; Lot 10 - Dispensing Gases and Associated Systems; Lot 11 - Gas Safety Training Courses
Who Can Apply
Suits industrial, medical and specialty gas producers and distributors, cryogen suppliers, gas equipment suppliers and gas safety trainers able to deliver safely to university sites. Applications for this framework are closed and it runs until 31 October 2029, so suppliers not already appointed face a long wait. The replacement procurement is likely to run in 2029.
Buyer Benefits
Universities get an agreed route for a safety-critical, recurring supply, with suppliers already evaluated by a university consortium. The long term to October 2029 gives laboratories continuity of supplier, so researchers are not hit by supply changes in the middle of a project.
Next Steps
Suppliers not on the framework have time to build a strong case before the 2029 re-tender: gather university and research laboratory references, safety and transport accreditations, and environmental data on cylinder logistics. In the meantime, look at other open frameworks for laboratory supplies. Appointed suppliers should record service performance to use as evidence at re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
With applications for this framework closed until 2029, we would start by finding alternatives. Our framework identification and registration service highlights laboratory supply frameworks and DPSs that are open now, and drafts your applications.
For the 2029 re-tender, our bid planning support builds your evidence base early, and our bid/no-bid assessments help decide whether SUPC's next procurement is a fit. If you already supply under it, we can review your service evidence well ahead of the re-let.
