Provision of Flow Cytometry Reagents, Antibodies, Platform-Specific Consumables and Single-Cell Genomics Reagents for Ongoing Research Activities

This voluntary ex-ante transparency (VEAT) notice acknowledges that Trinity College Dublin proposes to put in place a contract with Becton Dickinson UK Ltd, 1030 Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5TS for the provision of flow cytometry reagents, antibodies, platform-specific consumables and single-cell genomics reagents required to support ongoing research activities across the University.

The requirement encompasses specialised laboratory reagents, including fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, staining buffers, assay kits, instrument calibration materials, and proprietary consumables associated with BD flow cytometry and BD Rhapsody single-cell genomics platforms. These products are integral to established experimental workflows across multiple research groups, including immunophenotyping, cell signalling analysis and single-cell gene expression studies.

Trinity College Dublin intends to award this contract in accordance with Article 32(2)(b)(ii) of Directive 2014/24/EU, on the basis that competition is absent for technical reasons. The required reagents are defined by specific antibody clones and fluorochrome conjugations, many of which are proprietary and are embedded within validated experimental protocols. Substitution would necessitate extensive re-validation, introduce scientific risk and delay research outputs. In addition, platform-specific consumables, including BD Rhapsody cartridge and cDNA kits are required for the operation of existing instrumentation and cannot be replaced with alternative products.

While certain items may be available via resellers, this does not represent a viable alternative, as it introduces additional cost without addressing technical compatibility or continuity requirements. Accordingly, the proposed approach is necessary to ensure continuity of research and represents a proportionate and compliant procurement solution.