Laboratory Consumables & Chemicals IRLA
Framework Description
Laboratory Consumables & Chemicals IRLA is SUPC's agreement, run under the Inter-Regional Laboratory Agreement, for the everyday consumables and chemicals used in university laboratories. It is split into 12 lots covering plastics, research consumables, pipettes, gloves, protection supplies, filtration, glassware, general purpose chemicals and miscellaneous items. It runs from 2 August 2024 to 1 August 2027, with no extension.
Context & Use Case
Universities with large teaching and research laboratory estates order consumables and chemicals continuously, often directly from appointed suppliers by call-off or purchase order. The lot structure lets them buy non-branded plastics for teaching at best value while still reaching branded, research-grade products where experiments demand them. Ordering is spread across many departments and research groups.
Scope of Services
Plastic Consumables: Teaching/Non-Branded Consumables: Research/Branded Pipette Sets Gloves Personal and Laboratory Protection Supplies Filtration Consumables Glass Consumables General Purpose Chemicals (several lots) and Miscellaneous Consumables
Lots
Plastic Consumables - Teaching/Non-Branded; Consumables - Research/Branded; Pipettes Sets; Gloves; Personal and Laboratory Protection Supplies; Filtration Consumables; Glass Consumables; General Purpose Chemicals (multiple categories); Miscellaneous Consumables
Who Can Apply
Suits laboratory consumables and chemicals distributors and manufacturers with academic customers, broad catalogues and safe handling of hazardous substances under COSHH and CLP. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms outside it should prepare for the re-tender around August 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Laboratory managers want reliable stock of the right items, safe chemical delivery and prices agreed by category. The lot structure allows best-value decisions lot by lot, while access to branded lines keeps researchers happy. Ordering through an existing agreement also saves technical staff time on routine purchases.
Next Steps
Decide which of the 12 lots you would bid for next time, then prepare catalogue data, pricing against core lines and evidence of hazardous goods handling. Watch SUPC's framework page in the run-up to 1 August 2027. Appointed suppliers should track call-off volumes by lot.
How Athena Can Help
With 12 lots, choosing where to bid is half the battle. Athena's framework registration specialists can help you pick the lots that match your catalogue, then prepare selection evidence and narrative answers well before the re-tender deadline, so nothing is rushed.
Our bid management experts handle pricing schedules and model your likely score lot by lot against the distributors you expect to face, and our public sector bidding consultancy keeps your submission compliant under the Procurement Act 2023.
