Acquisition of instruments for the preparation of NGS libraries from nucleic acids and all-in-one massive parallel sequencing (NGS), including equipment maintenance and supply of reagents for the Hemato-Oncological Molecular Biology Laboratory

PAR-0001
Acquisition of instruments for the preparation of NGS libraries from nucleic acids and all-in-one massive parallel sequencing (NGS), including equipment maintenance and supply of reagents for the Hemato-Oncological Molecular Biology Laboratory.
Liège University Hospital wishes to acquire an instrument for the preparation of NGS libraries from nucleic acids and all-in-one massive parallel sequencing (NGS) for its Hemato-Oncological Molecular Biology Laboratory in order to improve its NGS sequencing process for the ongoing hematological and oncological activities, implement new analyses, notably cfTNA, strengthen its sequencing capabilities, and reduce turnaround times for patient results (TAT). This project involves both the acquisition of the instrument and its maintenance and the necessary reagents for conducting the analyses. After thorough evaluation of the solutions available on the market, the Hemato-Oncological Molecular Biology Laboratory concluded that only one supplier is capable of offering a solution that fully meets its technical and operational needs. This is the Genexus instrument along with the Genexus Purification System provided by Life Technologies Europe BV. Maintenance and reagents necessary for conducting the analyses are exclusively provided by Life Technologies Europe BV. The reasons why only this system meets the needs of Liège University Hospital are as follows. Firstly, this system is the only one that integrates, into a single instrument, the automated preparation of libraries, dilution of nucleic acids, templating of chips, and sequencing reaction, all without human intervention. As the current workload exceeds the capacities of the available human resources within the laboratory, it is mandatory to have a fully automated system that significantly reduces the handling time required by technologists and scientists. Secondly, only the Genexus system allows for results to be obtained in less than 24 hours. In order to meet the requirements of the NGS convention with INAMI for 2025, Liège University Hospital must provide a turnaround time for results (TAT) of less than 2 weeks for solid tumors and 3 weeks for hematological tumors. This response time is counted from the patient's sample to the delivery of results to the prescriber. Given the workflow of the process, it is essential to have an automaton that allows a very reduced response time. Moreover, the Genexus system allows for the analysis of small series (4 to 8 patients in hematology or solid oncology), which is a major factor. This approach allows for complete series to be launched daily and to work in continuous flow while optimizing costs. If the laboratory has to wait to reach a complete series (full recruitment) before launching the analyses, this prolongs the turnaround times for patient results (TAT). In light of the above, the Hemato-Oncological Molecular Biology Laboratory intends to proceed with the contract for the acquisition of the Genexus solution, its maintenance, and associated reagents by negotiated procedure without prior publication in accordance with article 42 §1 ° d ii) of the law of June 17, 2016. This notice constitutes a pre-information notice used solely for informational purposes, notifying economic operators of the intention of Liège University Hospital to acquire the Genexus solution, its maintenance, and associated reagents through a negotiated procedure without prior publication in accordance with article 42 §1 ° d ii) of the law of June 17, 2016, with the determined economic operator Life Technologies Europe BV. Any questions regarding this notice should be sent exclusively by e-mail to the Public Procurement Service at marches.info@chuliege.be with the subject reference