Find a TenderAwardedContract award notice
Published 29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BST

Official UK procurement notice

high-throughput sequencing services · UK public procurement notice

Official notice

Authority: Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult (Public body)

6 lotsServicesBelow threshold - open competitionBelow thresholdSME suitableVCSE suitable
Published estimate£132,000total for 6 lots · £132,000 inc. VAT
Submissions closed 12 Sept 2025awarded 5 Dec 2025
Awarded to Genewiz UK Ltd +3 more6 awards
Contract term 1 yrends 2 Nov 2026 · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensions · starts 3 Nov 2025

What is being bought6 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

The 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)AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.
Lot #2Bulk RNA sequencingAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.
Lot #3Bulk small RNA sequencingAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.
Lot #4Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samplesAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.
Lot #5AAV genome sequencingAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.
Lot #6Sanger sequencingAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished 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.

Contract period: 3 Nov 2025 – 2 Nov 2026 (1 yr) · up to 2 Nov 2028 with extensionsValue: £22,000 exc. VAT · £22,000 inc. VAT
Extensions: 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.

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)
Research and development services and related consultancy services
Delivery area
UKNorth East (UKC)North West (UKD)Yorkshire & Humber (UKE)East Midlands (UKF)West Midlands (UKG)East of England (UKH)London (UKI)
+2 moreSouth East (UKJ)South West (UKK)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-058ffe Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: portal not identified
Electronic submission allowed
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
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

29 Aug 2025 → 5 Dec 2025 · 5 dates
  1. Tender notice published
    29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BST
  2. Clarification questions by
    4 Sept 2025, 17:00 BST
  3. Submission deadline
    12 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
  4. Contract starts352 days ago
    3 Nov 2025
  5. Latest notice published319 days ago
    5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT

Notice history

5 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 29 Aug 2025
  1. Tender notice published
    29 Aug 2025, 09:50 BST
    UK4
  2. Contract award notice published
    5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT
    UK6
  3. Status changed to complete
    5 Dec 2025, 15:54 GMT
  4. Contract signature expected
    5 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
    scheduled
  5. Contract signature expected
    6 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
    scheduled

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 6
Awarded value (inc. VAT) £144,7186 awards inc. VAT; no net value published
Bids received 2415 from SMEs
Awarded toValueDateStatus
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded
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. VAT5 Dec 2025Awarded

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · High-throughput short-read sequencing of libraries generated by CGT Catapult (i.e., sequencing-only)6final-stage tenders40—
2 · Bulk RNA sequencing6final-stage tenders40—
3 · Bulk small RNA sequencing5final-stage tenders30—
4 · Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cryopreserved/fixed samples3final-stage tenders20—
5 · AAV genome sequencing2final-stage tenders10—
6 · Sanger sequencing2final-stage tenders10—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

CELL THERAPY CATAPULT LIMITED

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-COH: 07964711 · GB-PPON: PNLN-8116-PBCH 12th Floor Tower Wing B, London, London, SE1 9RTContact email

Bidders & participating suppliers

4 commercial parties on the notice
  • Biomarker Technologies (BMK) GmbHAwarded supplier 19F13, Mereside C/O Logistics No. 21,, Alderley Park, North West, SK10 4TGContact email
  • EDINBURGH GENETICS LIMITEDAwarded supplierGB-COH: SC650426GB-PPON: PYHR-1723-HVMX Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Scotland, EH26 0PZContact email
  • GENEWIZ UK LIMITEDAwarded supplierGB-COH: 09937828GB-PPON: PNYY-7229-LHCX Little Bullocks Farm, Hope End, Bishop's Stortford, East of England, CM22 6TAContact email
  • NOVOGENE (UK) COMPANY LIMITEDAwarded supplierGB-COH: 09353226GB-PPON: PWPB-6441-HXZL 2nd Floor, Bio-Innovation Centre 25 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, East of England, CB4 0FWContact email

Official documents & specifications (7)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender