Laboratory Equipment (General) and Associated Services
Framework Description
SUPC's Laboratory Equipment (General) and Associated Services framework covers the general-purpose kit found in most university labs, from centrifuges and fridges to water purification and liquid handling robots. It is organised into 10 lots, including a One Stop Shop. The agreement started on 15 October 2025 and runs to 14 October 2028, with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
Research groups, teaching labs and core facilities use it to replace and expand everyday equipment such as centrifuges, cold storage, measurement instruments and safety cabinets, and increasingly to automate liquid handling. Awarded suppliers respond to mini-competitions run by member institutions, and the lot structure lets buyers go to specialists for a single category or use the One Stop Shop for mixed requirements.
Scope of Services
Centrifuges Environmental Control Safety and Measurement equipment Environmental Storage: Fridges and Freezers, and Other Equipment General Equipment: Miscellaneous Water Purification Liquid Handling Robotics and Laboratory Automation Systems One Stop Shop
Lots
Centrifuges; Environmental Control; Safety; Measurement; Environmental Storage - Fridges and Freezers; Environmental Storage - Other Equipment; General Equipment - Miscellaneous; Water Purification; Liquid Handling Robotics and Laboratory Automation Systems; One Stop Shop
Who Can Apply
Suits laboratory equipment manufacturers and distributors with university research references and solid after-sales service. Having started only in October 2025, the framework will not reopen to applications for some time; the next entry point is the re-tender around October 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Laboratory managers want equipment that fits their space, power and sample requirements, delivered and installed with minimal downtime, and serviced properly afterwards. Mini-competitions under this agreement let them compare options quickly with service terms already set, and the One Stop Shop lot cuts the number of suppliers on a lab fit-out.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should prepare for a steady run of mini-competitions over the next two years. Others have time to plan: follow SUPC's framework page, decide which lots match your range, and build references, service response data and installation case studies before the agreement ends on 14 October 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Mini-competitions under this agreement are where revenue is won, and each needs a sharp, compliant answer. Athena's mini-competition bid support builds win themes around performance, service and whole-life cost, and models your score against other lot holders.
For suppliers outside the framework, two years is enough time to prepare properly. Our framework pipeline planning sets out when to act, and our public sector bidding team helps you choose between specialist lots and the One Stop Shop.
