This is for the supply, delivery and maintenance of 10 thermal cyclers for a period of 10 years from the award of contract. The price quoted is subject to testing.

— The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive.

Explanation:

Competition is absent for technical reasons (Regulation 32(2)(b)(ii)); FSNI have completed three EU regulated competitions to supply the required equipment, but each competition has resulted in market failure on technical grounds. Following end user testing has indicated there are technical compatibility issues. This has severe implications to FSNI's DNA units workflow and processing capabilities.