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27th September 2023 Member Update

NWUPC Ltd is overjoyed to announce that the latest iteration of the High Value Laboratory Equipment (HVLE) Framework (LAB3162 NW) is now available to Members. This framework is available to SUPC Members and members of APUC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC and NWUPC.

All items that were covered under the previous iteration of the agreement remain covered and in scope in this new version of the framework (with the exception of sequencers and PCR equipment that has moved into the new Life Sciences Equipment, Materials & Services LAB2010 NE framework agreement).

The framework has been divided into 5 lots, which is an update from the previous agreement and has broadened lot headings in order to allow for the maximum availability of in-scope equipment within each lot, additionally aiming to capture any new innovative equipment that may emerge during the course of the agreement.

The agreement runs from the 1 August 2023 until the 31 July 2025 with the option to extend for two further one year periods until 31 July 2027. A full User Guide is available at HE Contracts.

Scope of the framework:

Lot 1 – Magnetic Resonance Equipment

Lot 2 – X-Ray, Imaging, Elemental & Micro Analysis Equipment and Microscopy Instruments

Lot 3 – Spectroscopy Equipment

Lot 4 – Mechanical, Thermal and Physical Testing Equipment

Lot 5 – Radiation Safety & Detection Equipment

Products available via this framework:

The High Value Laboratory Equipment (HVLE) Framework has been established for the provision of the following goods and services:

  • Lot 1 – Magnetic Resonance Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment.
  • Lot 2 – X-Ray, Imaging, Elemental & Micro Analysis Equipment and Microscopy Instruments including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Items covered by the Microscopy and Imaging Equipment Framework Agreement Number: LAB1028 AP shall be excluded from this lot. This includes compound, stereo, zoom, confocal, spinning disc, super and enhanced resolution microscopes.
  • Lot 3 – Spectroscopy Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment. Items covered by the Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography Equipment Framework Agreement Number: LAB1029 AP shall be excluded from this lot. This includes mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs, gas chromatographs with mass spectrometers, liquid chromatographs and liquid chromatographs coupled with mass spectrometers.
  • Lot 4 – Mechanical, Thermal and Physical Testing Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment.
  • Lot 5 – Radiation Safety & Detection Equipment including Associated Equipment, Accessories, Consumables, Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment.

The benefits of using this framework agreement are:

  • More advantageous pricing based on economies of scale from aggregated spend.
  • Savings can be base lined by comparing prices with the prices you previously paid.
  • A single exercise to establish the overarching agreement and establish the Terms and Conditions of the Framework.
  • Reduced administrative effort and associated cost savings.
  • The development of a longer term relationship with suppliers which is mutually beneficial.
  • You have the ability to call off from the agreement as and when required rather than needing to undertake a full tender process.
  • The Framework allows for the flexibility to determine specific requirements at the call off stage.
  • Framework Agreements support longer term business planning as they span a period of typically four years and allow some stability from market fluctuations.
  • NWUPC will provide contract management support to you should you experience any issues with suppliers and will act in your best interests.

Further information on this agreement including supplier contact details can be found in a detailed User Guide which is available on HE Contracts.

For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.