North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the re-tendered Laboratory Consumables & Chemicals IRLA Framework (LAB4043 SU) to NWUPC members. Led by SUPC, the retendered agreement provides a compliant and responsible route for universities to purchase a wide range of products for use within their teaching and research laboratories.  

Offering a cost-effective procurement option across a broad range of Lots covering Laboratory Consumables and Chemicals this Framework agreement brings together a number of market operators from SMEs through to larger manufacturers and distributors. The agreement will run from the 2nd August 2024 to the 1st August 2027 with a possible extension to 1st August 2028.

The agreement is open to all NWUPC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC and SUPC members.

The main changes from the previous agreement include:

• A new group of SMEs operating on the Framework for the first time
• A new structure which allows competition across all suppliers regardless of whether they’re SMEs or major industry players aiding member sustainability policies.
• A greater focus on sustainability and the ability of suppliers to offer alternative and sustainable products as part of their product catalogues.
• A new Organic Chemicals Lot.
• The addition of Pipette Servicing now available within the scope of the Framework offering.

Key benefits of using the IRLA Consumables and Chemicals Framework Agreement:

• Fast and compliant route to market.
• Competitive prices.
• A wide choice of suppliers to match your organisational requirements and culture.
• A set of standard added-value services across all suppliers, complemented by supplier specific added-value services detailed further in the tender response.

The new framework will be under 12 lots as below:

• Lot 1a – Plastic Consumables – Teaching/Non-Branded
• Lot 1b – Consumables – Research/Branded
• Lot 2 – Pipettes Sets
• Lot 3 – Gloves
• Lot 4 – Personal and Laboratory Protection Supplies
• Lot 5 – Filtration Consumables
• Lot 6 – Glass Consumables
• Lot 7a – General Purpose Chemicals – Solvents Analytical Grade
• Lot 7b – General Purpose Chemicals – Solvents other
• Lot 7c – General Purpose Chemicals – Inorganic Chemicals
• Lot 7d – General Purpose Chemicals – Organic Chemicals
• Lot 8 – Miscellaneous Consumables

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 to 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 delivering social value including community and voluntary schemes supported.
  • Ensuring their supply chains are in accordance with the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code

Further information:

Full agreement details, including suppliers by Lot and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Agreements Page.

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