| Date |
|---|
| 3rd November 2025 |
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our re-tendered Laboratory Gases and Associated Equipment Framework to SUPC members. Led by Southern Universities Procurement Consortium (SUPC) and tendered in conjunction with our colleagues at LUPC, NWUPC, NEUPC, HEPCW and APUC. The retendered agreement provides a compliant and responsible route for universities to purchase a wide range of Laboratory Gases and associated products.
Offering a cost-effective procurement option across a broad range of Lots covering Laboratory Gases, this Framework agreement brings together key market operators. The agreement will run from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2028 with a permissible extension through to October 2029 if invoked.
The agreement is open to all SUPC members, as well as those from the following consortia: HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, NWUPC & APUC.
What are the benefits of using the Laboratory Gases and Associated Equipment Framework?
- fast and compliant route to market
- competitive prices
- established market operators
- dedicated Category Management overseeing pricing and communicating industry and supply chain updates.
What does this Framework cover?
- 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 6 Liquid Nitrogen and other Cryo Liquids in Small vessels
- 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
The following suppliers have been awarded to the agreement under 11 lots:
How do I call-off from the framework agreement?
Call-off from this framework agreement is by means of direct award (ranking) or further competition only.
How has sustainability, equality and diversity been considered as part of the tender?
Sustainability is of key concern across the HE sector and our suppliers are encouraged to operate and promote sustainable practices. Suppliers were evaluated in terms of their approach to:
- carbon reduction achievement and reporting
- commitments to promoting equality and diversity
- compliance with Conflict Minerals Regulation where applicable.
Commenting on the launch of the retendered framework, Gemma Payne, Director of SUPC said:
“We’re delighted to launch this newly retendered Lab Gases framework, which underpins our commitment to empowering the higher-education sector with a robust, reliable and cost-effective procurement route. By partnering with key market operators, SUPC will continue to aid member institutions in their teaching and research which relies on these vital products, ensuring effective management of pricing, transparent communication of market developments and ongoing progress toward environmental sustainability across the supply chain.”
Full agreement details, including how to use the agreement are available here via the Hunter Buyer’s Portal.
About SUPC
At Southern Universities Procurement Consortium (SUPC), we help universities and colleges buy smarter. Members use our frameworks and support services to make sure their procurement activities deliver value for money to students, staff and wider communities. Visit our member resources page to learn more about using our frameworks.
We are part of the SUMS group, which also includes SUMS Consulting. The SUMS group provides procurement and consultancy solutions to the higher education sector.
Explore more benefits of SUPC membership, here.