Public procurement notice: Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice
Published: 2021-10-15
Buyer: Aarhus Universitet
Country: DK
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Negotiated without a prior call for competition
CPV classification: 33000000 | 38000000
Estimated value: 1050000 DKK
Award criteria: Lowest price

Technical requirements: The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University needs to replace a gas chromatograph with autosampler. It has a custom-made configuration with two separate analytical channels and three detectors, and a unique script developed for this application to make the Autosampler split injections between the two separate channels. The instrument to be replaced is one of three instruments, which are used interchangeably for trace gas analyses.
A gas chromatography laboratory supports a wide range of research projects on sources and mitigation strategies for the biogenic greenhouse gases CO2, CH4 and N2O. In collaboration with the supplier (Agilent), a configuration has been developed, which allows for analysis of all three gases in the same sample despite different requirements with respect to columns, carrier gases, and detectors. Specifically, the operation of instruments has required the development of a unique script, which enables split injection and independent control of each injection.
Since samples are delivered for analysis in high numbers, there is a need to use several instruments interchangeably to maximise analytical capacity. All instruments in the laboratory have been supplied by Agilent. The most recent acquisition in 2020 was a model 8890 with Pal3 autosampler. In order to ensure a smooth introduction in time for the 2022 spring campaigns, the intention is to acquire a new custom-built instrument that is identical to the instrument installed during 2020.
The customized configuration of existing instruments were months in development and required the effort of many branches of the company. Even the change to a new version of gas chromatograph and autosampler results in substantial delays due to new communication issues which had to be resolved. The need to maintain analytical capacity therefore effectively excludes competing companies from delivering a timely solution to the analytical needs.
Following the notification, a standstill period of 10 calendar days will be held in accordance to paragraph 3 of Act No 593 of 2 June 2016 on the Danish Act on the Complaints Board for public Procurement. This implies that the contracting authority cannot sign the contract with the winning tenderer before the standstill period has expired.
In case of complaints about tenders or decisions, e.g. award of contracts covered by Section II or III in the Danish Public Procurement Act must be submitted to the Complaints Board for Public Procurement (Klagenævnet for udbud) within 45 calendar days from the day after the contractor published a notice in the Official Journal on the conclusion of a contract. At the latest concurrently with submission of an appeal to the Complaints Board for Public Procurement, the complainant must inform the contracting authority of the alleged infringement, and whether the appeal is to be referred to the board.


Winner: Agilent Technologies
Award value: 1050000