VEAT for Sequencing Consumables and Servicing

The University of Edinburgh intends to award a contract to Oxford Nanopore Technologies due to competition being absent for technical reasons.

The University has selected Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as the supplier for a sequencing program of work as they are the only supplier who can meet the project target of sequencing long DNA sequences of varying lengths while detecting native modifications, allowing like-for-like variant and DNA methylation comparison against saliva DNA controls from equivalent European genetic ancestry, by extending a previous successful pilot study with processes leading to more rapid sample results such as terminating sequencing once desired coverage is achieved, and doing so with sufficiently high throughput that is required within the timescale of the project which is 1 year.

The contract is specifically for the purchase of consumables and the 12-month servicing of equipment and the specific justification is as follows:

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is the sole manufacturer and patent holder of the nanopore sequencing technology used in the PromethION platform.

Consumables: The PromethION flow cells and auxiliary reagents are uniquely engineered to interface with the PromethION hardware and integrated software. No third-party consumables are currently validated or chemically compatible with the proprietary sensor arrays within the device. Use of non-ONT consumables would result in immediate loss of data integrity and system failure.

Service & Maintenance: The PromethION system is a highly specialised piece of diagnostic/research equipment. Maintenance requires access to proprietary diagnostic software, firmware updates, and specialised components that are not made available to third-party service providers.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies does not authorise third-party distributors or service agents for these specific products and services. Consequently, ONT is the sole economic operator capable of fulfilling the requirement.