Purchase of High Throughput Sonication Systems (Covaris) including Associated Consumables and Maintenance

Procurement reference

CAV-DCO (25-26) 71

Procurement description

Cardiff and vale University Health Board, on behalf of the All Wales Genomics Service, intends to award a contract to Covaris , Inc. for the supply of a high throughput sonication system to support Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows. The system is required to process samples in plate formats for downstream NGS library preparation and to expand capacity for somatic cancer testing services in Wales. Covaris is the sole manufacturer of instruments using patented Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology, which is essential for achieving the required reproducibility and performance. No alternative suppliers were identified through market engagement and the equipment is not available via national frameworks. The procurement will cover supply of instrument, consumables and maintenance for three years (with warranty), with option to extend for up to two additional years. This notice is issued in accordance with procurement transparency obligations and to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Covaris

Procedure type

Direct award

Description of how these justifications apply

Covaris Inc. holds exclusive intellectual property rights over its propriety Adaptive Focused Acoustics technology, which is integral to its sample preparation systems. The company owns over 125 issued and pending patents covering acoustic treatment, sample processing, and instrument design. The patents ensure that no other supplier can legally replicate or offer equivalent technology.

Covaris is also the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of its instruments and consumables. It does not license production or distribution to third parties, making it the sole legal source for these products and services.

Covaris equipment is uniquely engineered to support specific workflows in genomics, proteomics, and epigenetics. The AFA technology enables highly controlled and reproducible sample preparation, which is essential for down stream applications such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cancer diagnostics.

Direct award justification

Single suppliers intellectual property exclusive rights

Description of risks to contract performance

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, on behalf of the All Wales Genomics Service, requires the supply, installation, and maintenance of a high throughput sonication system manufactured by Covaris, Inc., utilising proprietary Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology essential for reproducible and consistent Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows. The contract scope covers the delivery of the instrument, associated consumables for three years, and a full warranty including servicing and repairs, with the option to extend for up to two additional years. The system must process samples in plate format to support NGS library preparation and expand somatic cancer testing capacity in Wales, achieving a minimum of 95% uptime availability (excluding planned maintenance), reproducibility across runs compliant with All Wales Genomics Service standards, and seamless compatibility with existing workflows. Supplier obligations include on-site delivery, installation, calibration, commissioning, and validation of performance; provision of initial training for technical staff; access to technical support and software or firmware updates; and guaranteed consumables supply for the full contract term. Performance will be monitored against key indicators, including ≥95% uptime, ≥98% QC compliance in NGS preparation, 24-hour initial response to service requests, and resolution or interim fix of critical failures within 72 hours. This contract is issued in compliance with public procurement regulations, acknowledging Covaris as the sole manufacturer of the required AFA-based technology.

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 December 2031