Cork Education and Training Board has awarded a €3M biopharma processing equipment framework to Cytiva Ireland Ltd, Manepa Limited and Medical Supply Company Ltd

Cork Education and Training Board has awarded a €3M biopharma processing equipment framework to Cytiva Ireland Ltd, Manepa Limited and Medical Supply Company Ltd.

Cork Education and Training Board, a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has awarded a single-party framework agreement for the supply, delivery and commissioning of biopharma processing equipment in four (4) lots (The Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of Biopharma Processing Equipment in four (4) lots for Cork Education and Training Board) to Cytiva Ireland Ltd, Manepa Limited and Medical Supply Company Ltd. The awarded value of the framework is €3,000,000.00, covering laboratory, optical and precision equipment, including biochemical analysers, microprocessors, medical equipment, microbiological cultures, biomedical equipment, research laboratory services and pharmacy services, with a duration of 4 years. The framework was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Cork Education and Training Board, a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has conducted an open procedure for the establishment of a single-party framework agreement for the supply, delivery and commissioning of biopharma processing equipment in four (4) lots. The equipment will be for use within a training facility that provides learners with the necessary skills to be technicians/operators within the biopharma processing sector. Delivery is initially to the CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork as required. The procurement is divided into four lots: Lot 1 (Platform Bioreactor), Lot 2 (Autoclave), Lot 3 (Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet), and Lot 4 (Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II)).

The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. The evaluation criteria are cost (35%) and quality (65%) for all lots. The framework agreement operates partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition. Tenders received range from 2 to 4 per lot. Winners include Cytiva Ireland Ltd (Lot 1), Manepa Limited (Lot 2) and Medical Supply Company Ltd (Lots 3 and 4). No subcontracting was declared. Contracts were concluded on 16 September 2026. The estimated value and maximum framework value is €3,000,000.00. The approximate value of the framework agreements is €0.00.

Why This Contract Matters

This framework ensures that Cork Education and Training Board has access to biopharma processing equipment for its training facility, supporting skills development for the biopharma processing sector.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Biopharma Training: Provides equipment for learners to become technicians/operators in the biopharma processing sector
• Significant Value: €3,000,000.00 estimated and maximum framework value
• Four Lots: Platform Bioreactor, Autoclave, LAF Cabinet, and MSC (Class II)
• Long-Term Commitment: 4-year duration
• Quality Focus: 65% quality, 35% cost
• Competition: 2 to 4 tenders per lot
• Mix of Providers: Winners include a large enterprise, a medium enterprise and a small enterprise

Contract Timeline

• Contract concluded: 16 September 2026
• Estimated duration: 4 years
• Notice published: 23 September 2026 (OJ S 184/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 22 September 2026
• Previous notice: 2e08d3fc-4f53-4065-9931-f6f549ec57bc-01

Contract Overview

Cork Education and Training Board conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• Four lots: LOT-0001 to LOT-0004
• Estimated value: €3,000,000.00
• Maximum framework value: €3,000,000.00
• Approximate value: €0.00
• Duration: 4 years
• Framework type: Framework agreement, partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%) for all lots
• Winners: Cytiva Ireland Ltd (Lot 1); Manepa Limited (Lot 2); Medical Supply Company Ltd (Lots 3 and 4)
• Subcontracting: No
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 38000000 Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
• Additional classification: 38434500 Biochemical analysers; 31712116 Microprocessors; 33000000 Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products; 33698100 Microbiological cultures; 38434540 Biomedical equipment; 73111000 Research laboratory services; 85149000 Pharmacy services
• Place of performance: South-West, Ireland (NUTS: IE053); CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork
• Procedure identifier: 925f6680-4893-4ada-8316-89dd385a92f3
• Internal identifier: 1; 2; 3; 4
• Type of procedure: Open
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU
• Review body: The High Court of Ireland

Lot Structure

LOT-0001 – Platform Bioreactor

• Internal identifier: 1
• Description: Supply, delivery and commissioning of a Platform Bioreactor for use within a training facility for the biopharma processing sector
• Estimated value: €3,000,000.00
• Winner: Cytiva Ireland Ltd (Contract 459331)
• Tenders received: 3
• Contract concluded: 16 September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%)

LOT-0002 – Autoclave

• Internal identifier: 2
• Description: Supply, delivery and commissioning of an Autoclave for use within a training facility for the biopharma processing sector
• Estimated value: €3,000,000.00
• Winner: Manepa Limited (Contract 459332)
• Tenders received: 2
• Contract concluded: 16 September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%)

LOT-0003 – Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet

• Internal identifier: 3
• Description: Supply, delivery and commissioning of a Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet for use within a training facility for the biopharma processing sector
• Estimated value: €3,000,000.00
• Winner: Medical Supply Company Ltd (Contract 459333)
• Tenders received: 4
• Contract concluded: 16 September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%)

LOT-0004 – Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II)

• Internal identifier: 4
• Description: Supply, delivery and commissioning of a Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II) for use within a training facility for the biopharma processing sector
• Estimated value: €3,000,000.00
• Winner: Medical Supply Company Ltd (Contract 459334)
• Tenders received: 4
• Contract concluded: 16 September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%)

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Max Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Platform Bioreactor	3,000,000.00	Cytiva Ireland Ltd	3
2	Autoclave	3,000,000.00	Manepa Limited	2
3	Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet	3,000,000.00	Medical Supply Company Ltd	4
4	Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II)	3,000,000.00	Medical Supply Company Ltd	4
Total		3,000,000.00

Scope of Supply

The framework covers the following supplies:

• Platform Bioreactor: Bioreactor for biopharma processing training
• Autoclave: Autoclave for biopharma processing training
• Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet: LAF cabinet for biopharma processing training
• Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II): MSC for biopharma processing training
• Laboratory, Optical and Precision Equipment: Equipment under CPV 38000000
• Biochemical Analysers, Microprocessors, Medical Equipment, Microbiological Cultures, Biomedical Equipment: Related equipment and consumables
• Research Laboratory Services and Pharmacy Services: Related services

Special Procurement Conditions

• Single-Party Framework: The framework agreement is a single-party framework
• Framework Agreement: Partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition
• Evaluation Criteria: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%) for all lots
• Delivery Location: Initially to the CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork, as required
• Training Purpose: Equipment will be used within a training facility that provides learners with skills to be technicians/operators within the biopharma processing sector
• No Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared by winners
• No Strategic Procurement: No strategic objectives specified

About the Contracting Authority

Cork Education and Training Board is a body governed by public law operating in the education sector in Ireland.

• Legal type: Body governed by public law
• Activity: Education
• Registration number: 3185254WH
• Location: Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053)
• Address: 21 Lavitts Quay, Cork, T12 HYT9
• Email: procurement@corketb.ie
• Telephone: +353214907100
• Internet address: http://www.corketb.ie

About the Winning Suppliers

Cytiva Ireland Ltd

• Size: Large enterprise
• Registration number: 143839
• Location: Clare, Ireland (NUTS: IE051)
• Address: Lismeehan, O'Callaghan's Mills, Co. Clare, V94PP63
• Email: simpy.karnwal@cytiva.com
• Telephone: 0871042130
• Subcontracting: No
• Winner of LOT-0001

Manepa Limited

• Size: Small enterprise
• Registration number: 036103
• Location: Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061)
• Address: Manepa Medical, 628B Jordanstown Avenue, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 X593
• Email: ron.walsh@manepa.com
• Telephone: 014677600
• Internet address: www.manepa.com
• Subcontracting: No
• Winner of LOT-0002

Medical Supply Company Ltd

• Size: Medium enterprise
• Registration number: 34277
• Location: Mulhuddart, Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061)
• Address: Medical Supply Company, Mulhuddart, D15 V293
• Email: lisa@medical-supply.ie
• Telephone: +35318224222
• Fax: +35318224100
• Internet address: www.medical-supply.ie
• Subcontracting: No
• Winner of LOT-0003 and LOT-0004

Evaluation Criteria

All lots use the same evaluation criteria:

• Cost (35%): Cost @ 35%
• Quality (65%): Quality @ 65%

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU
• Competition: 3 tenders (Lot 1); 2 tenders (Lot 2); 4 tenders (Lot 3); 4 tenders (Lot 4)
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds
• Framework agreement: Framework agreement, partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement
• Review body: The High Court of Ireland
• Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contracts awarded)

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
• No EU funds were used for this procurement
• The estimated value is €3,000,000.00
• The maximum framework value is €3,000,000.00
• The approximate value of the framework agreements is €0.00
• The procurement is divided into four lots
• Cost (35%) and Quality (65%) are the evaluation criteria for all lots
• 2 to 4 tenders were received per lot
• Winners include a large enterprise, a small enterprise and a medium enterprise
• No subcontracting was declared
• The framework duration is 4 years
• Contracts were concluded on 16 September 2026
• Equipment will be used within a training facility for the biopharma processing sector

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish public sector biopharma training equipment market features a mix of large international suppliers and specialised national distributors. Biopharma processing equipment is essential for training facilities that develop skills for the biopharma processing sector.

Key trends in this market include:

• Quality focus: 65% quality, 35% cost
• Mix of providers: Large enterprise, small enterprise and medium enterprise winners
• Multi-lot framework: Four lots covering bioreactors, autoclaves, LAF cabinets and MSCs
• Long-term framework: 4-year duration
• Training purpose: Equipment for learners to become technicians/operators in the biopharma processing sector
• Single-party framework: Single-party framework agreement

Economic Significance

At €3,000,000.00, this framework represents a significant investment in biopharma processing equipment for Cork Education and Training Board. The contract will:

• Support Biopharma Training: Provide equipment for learners to become technicians/operators in the biopharma processing sector
• Support Both Large Enterprises and SMEs: Winners include a large enterprise, a small enterprise and a medium enterprise
• Provide Long-Term Stability: 4-year framework
• Ensure Equipment Availability: Single-party framework with three winners across four lots
• Enable Skills Development: Support training at the CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork
• Support the Biopharma Sector: Develop skills for a key Irish industry sector

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this framework now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 4-year framework duration
• Related Equipment: Additional biopharma processing equipment and laboratory equipment
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Cytiva Ireland Ltd, Manepa Limited and Medical Supply Company Ltd
• Other Education and Training Boards: Similar biopharma equipment procurements
• Framework Call-offs: Opportunities through reopening of competition

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for biopharma processing equipment suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the framework winners
• Related Equipment: Other biopharma processing equipment and laboratory equipment
• Other Irish Education and Training Boards: Similar biopharma equipment procurements
• Framework Call-offs: Monitor reopening of competition opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Cork Education and Training Board's future procurement notices
• Other Irish education and training biopharma equipment tenders
• Biopharma processing equipment market trends
• Changes to Irish procurement regulations
• Training facility equipment requirements
• Biopharma sector skills development initiatives

IrelandTenders.com Procurement Intelligence

This biopharma processing equipment framework is a notable example of Irish public sector procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €3M estimated and maximum framework value
• Quality focus: 65% quality, 35% cost
• Mix of winners: Large enterprise (Cytiva), small enterprise (Manepa) and medium enterprise (Medical Supply Company)
• Four lots: Platform Bioreactor, Autoclave, LAF Cabinet, MSC (Class II)
• Competition: 2 to 4 tenders per lot
• Long-term framework: 4-year duration
• Single-party framework: Single-party framework agreement
• Training purpose: Equipment for biopharma processing training

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Quality: 65% quality-based evaluation
• Competitive pricing: 35% cost-based evaluation
• Biopharma equipment expertise: Ability to supply bioreactors, autoclaves, LAF cabinets and MSCs
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish education and training requirements
• Commissioning capability: Ability to deliver and commission biopharma processing equipment
• Training sector awareness: Understanding of biopharma training facility needs

Supplier Takeaways

• Ensure high quality – 65% of evaluation is quality-based
• Offer competitive pricing – 35% of evaluation is cost-based
• Demonstrate biopharma processing equipment supply capability
• Show commissioning capability for biopharma equipment
• Develop public sector experience with Irish education and training boards
• Monitor Cork Education and Training Board and Irish education procurement opportunities
• Prepare for framework call-off opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Cork Education and Training Board awarded a €3,000,000.00 biopharma processing equipment framework
• Four lots: LOT-0001 (Platform Bioreactor), LOT-0002 (Autoclave), LOT-0003 (Laminar Air Flow Cabinet), LOT-0004 (Microbiological Safety Cabinet (Class II))
• Duration: 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%) for all lots
• 2 to 4 tenders received per lot
• Winners: Cytiva Ireland Ltd (Lot 1); Manepa Limited (Lot 2); Medical Supply Company Ltd (Lots 3 and 4)
• Winners include a large enterprise, a small enterprise and a medium enterprise
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Framework partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition
• Single-party framework agreement
• Equipment for use at the CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork

Conclusion

This biopharma processing equipment framework ensures that Cork Education and Training Board has access to essential equipment for its training facility, supporting skills development for the biopharma processing sector. By awarding the framework across four lots to three suppliers, Cork ETB secures a panel with the capability to deliver platform bioreactors, autoclaves, laminar air flow cabinets and microbiological safety cabinets.

The 65% quality and 35% cost evaluation reflects the importance of quality in biopharma equipment procurement, where the reliability and suitability of the equipment are primary considerations. The four-lot structure, the single-party framework and the 4-year duration reflect the specific operational and training needs of the CCFET Life Sciences Centre.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, biopharma equipment expertise, public sector experience, commissioning capability and training sector awareness in winning Irish public sector biopharma equipment contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cork Education and Training Board?

Ans: A body governed by public law operating in the education sector in Ireland.

Q: What is the value of the framework?

Ans: Estimated and maximum framework value €3,000,000.00; approximate value €0.00.

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: Cytiva Ireland Ltd (Lot 1); Manepa Limited (Lot 2); Medical Supply Company Ltd (Lots 3 and 4).

Q: What supplies are covered?

Ans: Biopharma processing equipment in four lots: Platform Bioreactor, Autoclave, Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet and Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC) (Class II).

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Cost (35%) and Quality (65%) for all lots.

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 4 years.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: 3 tenders (Lot 1); 2 tenders (Lot 2); 4 tenders (Lot 3); 4 tenders (Lot 4).

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: The High Court of Ireland.

Q: What is the lot structure?

Ans: Four lots – LOT-0001 (Platform Bioreactor), LOT-0002 (Autoclave), LOT-0003 (Laminar Air Flow Cabinet), LOT-0004 (Microbiological Safety Cabinet (Class II)).

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: No subcontracting was declared by the winners.

Q: Where will the equipment be delivered?

Ans: Initially to the CCFET Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline, Cork, as required.

Q: What is the purpose of the equipment?

Ans: The equipment will be for use within a training facility that provides learners with the necessary skills to be technicians/operators within the biopharma processing sector.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 656400-2026, OJ S 184/2026, published 23 September 2026.

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