Official UK procurement notice
high-throughput sequencing services · UK public procurement notice
Authority: Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult (Public body)
What is being bought6 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThe primary aim of this procurement is to secure a high-throughput sequencing service provider to perform sequencing services for the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Catapult on a fee-per-service basis. This service will support the CGT Catapult's mission of accelerating the commercialization of innovation from research and overcoming technical barriers in advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) development. The selected provider's services will complement CGT Catapult's unique technical facilities and expertise at its London site.
This procurement seeks comprehensive high-throughput sequencing services. These services will be utilized for deep process characterization, particularly for processes like stem cell differentiation and viral vector manufacturing. The required services include, but are not limited to:
Lot 1 - High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing only)
Lot 2 - Bulk RNA sequencing
Lot 3 - Bulk small RNA sequencing
Lot 4 - Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples
Lot 5 - AAV genome short-read sequencing
Lot 6 - Sanger sequencing
CPV: Research and development services and related consultancy services
Lots and requirements (6)Procurement structure
6 lots · all with a published value (£132,000 together)Lot #1High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)AwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
For this service, the provider will receive pre-prepared library pools from CGT Catapult ready for sequencing. These libraries may originate from various sources and experimental designs, representing the final product of CGT Catapult's library preparation efforts. The service should include a Quality Control (QC) step to ascertain whether the provided library sample is considered suitable for downstream sequencing. This QC should evaluate factors such as the presence of adapter artifacts and confirm a minimum yield/concentration. The required throughput per run will vary based on project needs, but typical requirements for human cell-based applications often range from 20 to 30 million reads per sample for messenger RNA profiling and from 40 to 50 million reads per sample for total RNA profiling. Readouts other than gene expression may have other minimum read number requirements. Sequencing should be performed with flexibility for both single-read and paired-end sequencing modes, with read lengths up to 150 bp. The option for specifying read strandedness should also be available, as required by the experimental design. Typically, sample QC should be completed within 1-5 business days of receipt of the library pool(s). Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Lot #2Bulk RNA sequencingAwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
This service will typically involve library preparation and sequencing from cell pellets or isolated RNA samples provided by CGT Catapult. These samples will be derived from various cell lines undergoing different processes. The sequencing throughput, read strandedness, and mode will be contingent on project needs. Additionally, the provider should offer tiered support for data analysis, ranging from raw data processing (e.g., demultiplexing, adapter trimming, read alignment, quantification of gene counts) to statistical analysis (e.g., differential gene expression analysis, clustering) and functional enrichment analysis (e.g., pathway enrichment analysis), contingent on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot #3Bulk small RNA sequencingAwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
For bulk small RNA sequencing, the provider will generally receive cell pellets, cell culture supernatant, or extracted RNA samples from CGT Catapult. These samples will be used to profile microRNAs and other small non-coding RNAs. The provider should also offer tiered support for data analysis, ranging from raw data processing to statistical analysis, including annotation to known microRNAs or other small RNA types (e.g., piRNAs) and de novo small RNA discovery, contingent on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot #4Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samplesAwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
This service will involve library preparation and sequencing where cryopreserved or fixed cell samples will be provided by CGT Catapult. The throughput for single-cell sequencing should accommodate varying project sizes with regards to number of samples, number of profiled cells per sample, and number of reads to obtain per cell. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Lot #5AAV genome sequencingAwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
This service will involve analysis of AAV samples (final product) to confirm packaged AAV genome sequence and detect any DNA impurities in the sample. Different AAV serotypes may be used. For a sequencing-only service, AAV genomes will be extracted and libraries generated at CGT Catapult and sent to the provider for downstream sequencing. For end-to-end QC analysis of AAV samples, CGT Catapult samples will be sent to the provider for library generation and QC. Long-read sequencing using PacBio instrumentation will be performed to assess AAV genome integrity, while short-read sequencing will be utilized to confirm sequence of AAV vectors and identify contaminants. Specific requirements for this AAV analysis will depend on project needs. Sample QC and library preparation typically take 3-14 business days. Sequencing run completion and raw data delivery are expected to be from 2 weeks to 3 months. Tiered data analysis can take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Lot #6Sanger sequencingAwardedRenewalPublished value£22,000
This service is required for targeted sequencing applications, such as confirming effective gene knockout after CRISPR-Cas9 editing, validating the successful insertion of gene cassettes, or verifying specific point mutations. CGT Catapult will typically provide purified DNA samples (e.g., plasmid DNA, PCR amplicons) for this service. The provider should offer robust quality control to ensure sample suitability, followed by sequencing and primary data analysis, including trace visualization and base calling. The expected output is high-quality sequence reads for individual targets, enabling precise validation of genetic modifications. This service typically takes 1-5 business days from sample receipt.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Below threshold - open competition
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Below threshold
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BST
- Last source update
- 5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT
- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-052281- Latest notice
- Contract award notice (UK6)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-058ffeFind a Tender
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 12 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 4 Sept 2025, 17:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
catapultcgtc.wax-live.com/S2C/DisplayModules/T… ↗
Access documents via the above link
Timeline
29 Aug 2025 → 5 Dec 2025 · 5 dates- Tender notice published29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BST
- Clarification questions by4 Sept 2025, 17:00 BST
- Submission deadline12 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Contract starts352 days ago3 Nov 2025
- Latest notice published319 days ago5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT
Notice history
5 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 29 Aug 2025- Tender notice published29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMTUK6
- Status changed to complete5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT
- Contract signature expected5 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMTscheduled
- Contract signature expected6 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMTscheduled
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)1 award | |||
| Genewiz UK Ltd6 Jan 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 · up to 5 Jan 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £2,471 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 2 · Bulk RNA sequencing1 award | |||
| Biomarker Technologies (BMK) GmbHSME6 Jan 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 · up to 4 Jan 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £4,245 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 3 · Bulk small RNA sequencing1 award | |||
| Edinburgh Genetics LimitedSMELot 3 - Bulk small RNA7 Jan 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 · up to 5 Jan 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £6,000 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 4 · Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples1 award | |||
| Genewiz UK Ltd6 Jan 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 · up to 4 Jan 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £126,725 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 5 · AAV genome sequencing1 award | |||
| Novogene (UK) Company LimitedSME7 Jan 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 · up to 5 Jan 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £5,088 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 6 · Sanger sequencing1 award | |||
| Genewiz UK Ltd7 Jan 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 · up to 5 Dec 2029Extensions: The contract period is for a 1-year contract with the possibility to extend for 1 year and a further 1 year (1+1+1 years). The maximum total contract is 3 years. | £190 inc. VAT | 5 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only) | 6final-stage tenders | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2 · Bulk RNA sequencing | 6final-stage tenders | 4 | 0 | — |
| 3 · Bulk small RNA sequencing | 5final-stage tenders | 3 | 0 | — |
| 4 · Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples | 3final-stage tenders | 2 | 0 | — |
| 5 · AAV genome sequencing | 2final-stage tenders | 1 | 0 | — |
| 6 · Sanger sequencing | 2final-stage tenders | 1 | 0 | — |
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Bidders & participating suppliers
4 commercial parties on the notice- Biomarker Technologies (BMK) GmbHAwarded supplier
- EDINBURGH GENETICS LIMITEDAwarded supplier
- GENEWIZ UK LIMITEDAwarded supplier
- NOVOGENE (UK) COMPANY LIMITEDAwarded supplier
Official documents & specifications (7)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender