Cell Sorter for Biological Sciences

Description

Biological Sciences have a requirement for a cell sorter, an instrument with the capability to separate and sort a mixed population of biological cells into different fractions for analysis or ongoing growth in separate cultures. Once sorted, cells must be kept sterile and uncontaminated, the cell sorter will have the capability of sorting populations into a multi-well plate format inside an integral biological safety cabinet. This requirement includes training for University staff and ongoing technical and experimental support. Lot 1: This procurement builds on a pressing need for a system capable of spectral high-performance, multi-parameter fluorescence-activated cell/nucleus sorting that will serve a cross-disciplinary consortium of research groups in life sciences at the University of Southampton and external academic and industrial collaborators within the South of England, investigating the mechanisms underpinning human health and aging, and food and environmental sustainability. The system will integrate significant advancements in cell and nuclear sorting, allowing the highest power, performance, and flexibility, enabling researchers across diverse disciplines in biological and computational sciences and bioengineering, with the highest relevance to those interested in temporal and spatial changes in cell states within tissues and microbial and environmental systems and how this defines their heterogeneities, functional relationships, and interaction with their environment. The advanced multi-parameter sorter will act as a hub that catalyses new cross-disciplinary collaborations between its diverse user base, from basic biology to bioengineering and biotechnology. This will be facilitated through established regional partnerships with the BBSRC National Biofilm and Innovation Centre (NBIC) and South Coast Biosciences Doctoral Partnership (SoCoBio DTP). The University proposes to enter into a Contract for 39 months with the successful tenderer(s). This will comprise of an initial contract period of 39 months for the provision of the cell sorter including a 12 month warranty with a 36 month support and maintenance (to run concurrently) subject to the satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the University. The contract will be effective on signing. The initial term of the warranty of 12 months will run from the date of acceptance of the equipment. Contract Value: 745,000GBP All related services, training and maintenance MUST be included within this proposal. Details of current expenditure or potential future uptake are given as a guide based on past purchasing or current planning to assist you in the preparation of your Tender. They should not be interpreted as an undertaking to purchase any goods or services to any particular value and do not form part of the Contract. Please note, the University of Southampton no longer meets the criteria of a 'body governed by public law' and is therefore not considered a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation. This procurement process is not regulated by UK (or EU) public procurement law. Where the University of Southampton advertises contracts, through any public sector tender portal, it does so on a voluntary basis by way of transparency and to encourage open competition, but it is not required to comply with the procurement legislation. For the purpose of procuring the goods/services described, the University is acting in accordance with its internal financial regulations and the procedure detailed in the Invitation to Tender document set. Additional information: The risk of dividing the requirement into Lots would render the execution of the contract excessively technically difficult, not cost effective.