Maintenance of Chemagic Star / Starlet Machines

Description

Maintenance, servicing and verification of specialised Hamilton robotic laboratory systems (AWGMS). The equipment forms a critical part of genomic testing pathways, automating liquid handling, nucleic acid extraction and sequencing preparation processes. These systems improve throughput, reduce manual handling, improve testing accuracy and support reduced turnaround times for patient samples.

Key facts

Procedure

Direct award

Lots

1

Contact

Bailey.Goodall2@wales.nhs.uk

Contract period

18 Dec 2026 → 31 Dec 2029

Value incl. VAT

£545k

Category

services

Awarded suppliers

• Hamilton Sales & Service · GB-PPON-PZXC-1937-DMVH · UKG13, GB

Ground given for limiting competition

The buyer’s own stated reason for awarding without open competition, as published. Their assertion, not a finding.

Hamilton are the original manufacturer and sole authorised maintenance provider for the Chemagic STAR, STARlet and NGS STAR platforms. Market assessment and stakeholder engagement confirmed that no alternative provider can deliver the required OEM-certified maintenance, calibration, software support, validation services and replacement parts. Maintaining manufacturer support is essential to mitigate operational, compliance and patient safety risks. Market analysis undertaken prior to renewal confirmed that Hamilton remains the only supplier capable of delivering services to the required manufacturer standard.