UKHSA_Scientific- Provision of a WASPLab Processing Module and Picking Station

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is planning to award a contract via 2020/S 217-533940: UKHSA National Microbiology Framework Lot 1- Diagnostics to Don Whitley Scientific Ltd for the provision of a WASPLab processing module and WASPLab picking station for use at its Manchester site. The equipment will be used for the processing and culturing of urine, MRSA, ear, eye, nose, and throat, etc. swabs and samples. <br/>UKHSA believes that, following discussions with other distributors of Copan WASPLab processing modules and picking stations, Don Whitley Scientific Ltd is the only supplier capable of providing the equipment we require. <br/>The laboratory has several pieces of WASPLab equipment and software, provided by Don Whitley, currently installed and operational. Any new equipment would need to be compatible with the existing WASPLab instruments and software and be scalable for future projects. The equipment would also need to be able to be networked into the existing data centre which runs the other lines and be able to integrate into a full line with a double incubator and Copan imaging module in the future. <br/>During our discussions with other Copan WASPLab equipment distributors, we were informed that none of the distributors would be able to integrate their servers into our existing Don Whitley servers, due to risks surrounding liability if there was a problem with the server or the server needed to be maintained or upgraded. This would mean that an additional server tower would be required specifically for an alternative supplier’s equipment. Given the size constraints of the laboratory, we would not be able to accept a solution that requires installing an additional server tower. Given this, and the unacceptable liability risks preventing alternative suppliers from integrating their servers into our existing server tower, we believe that Don Whitley Scientific Ltd would be the only supplier capable of meeting our requirements. <br/>If you have a solution which you believe could meet our requirements, please send a copy of your quote and information about the equipment you can provide to science.tendering@ukhsa.gov.uk by no later than 5pm on 30th November 2023.