NWUPC

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Laboratory Equipment (General) and Associated Services Framework (LAB5093 LU) to NWUPC members. This framework will offer a broad range of Laboratory Equipment and Instrumentation that is found in the majority of University and Scientific Research non-specialist laboratories. Please note this has been tendered under the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

This is the 4^th iteration of this framework. The framework will run for a three-year period from the 15th October 2025 to the 14^th October 2028 with an additional extension of up to 12 months.

The agreement is open to NWUPC members, as well as those from the following consortia: CPC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC and SUPC.

Lot Structure

The lot structure consists of 10 lots:

• Lot 1     Centrifuges
• Lot 2     Environmental Control
• Lot 3     Safety
• Lot 4     Measurement
• Lot 5     Environmental Storage – Fridges and Freezers
• Lot 6     Environmental Storage – Other Equipment
• Lot 7     General Equipment (Misc.)
• Lot 8     Water Purification
• Lot 9     Liquid Handling Robotics
• Lot 10  One Stop Shop

What are the benefits of using the framework?

• Fully compliant route to market for participating Institutions (compliant with PCR 2015 and EU regulations).
• Access to market leading suppliers and innovative concepts and instrumentation. Equipment maintenance, calibration and servicing can be requested via the agreement at Point of Sale.
• Time saving, members can use the framework rather than completing a full tender process.
• Call offs purchases will be covered by UKUPC’s pre agreed Terms and Conditions of trade, oriented towards members’ needs.
• Fixed commercial terms on all lots, via maximum tender pricing files (or ‘ceiling’ pricing), which is the maximum price that should be paid when direct awarding or via desktop exercise.
• Additional cost savings possible via mini competitions based on the specific requirements, aggregation and higher volumes. This provides potential to report cashable savings.
• Suppliers have been encouraged to promote product lines to manage and reduce Whole Life Costs.
• Framework pricing will be lower than non-framework pricing and will include a process for price checking which is linked to supplier KPIs.
• Flexible technical scope within each lot.
• Customers will be supported by NWUPC if account management escalation is required.

How do I call-off from the framework framework?

• Ranked Direct Award.
• Desktop Calculator.
• Mini Competition.
  

How has Responsible Procurement been considered as part of the tender?

• Comprehensive Responsible Procurement data from each supplier and some products, via the tender responses and supporting documentation for the Award Questionnaire.

Laboratory Equipment (General) and Associated Services Framework launch webinar

Join us on Tuesday 25th November 2025 at 14.00 – 15.30 for the launch webinar, register here. Hear from Antonio Ramirez, Senior Category Manager, as he takes members through the key features and benefits of the new agreement.

Further information

Full framework details, including suppliers and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Framework Page.

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