Award

CEFAS25-136 Gas Chromatography Tandem Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer System

CEFAS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

03 Feb 2026 at 09:22

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

In a procurement process conducted by CEFAS, titled "CEFAS25-136 Gas Chromatography Tandem Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer System," a contract has been awarded to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Ltd. This process falls under the industry category of mass spectrometers (CPV code 38433100) and relates to the procurement of a GC-QqQ-MS system to support CEFAS' operations in monitoring the chemical status of the marine environment. It was initiated as a call-off from the LUPC Framework Agreement for mass spectrometry and chromatography equipment. The award stage of the procurement was completed on 30th January 2026, with the contract period starting on 2nd February 2026 and set to conclude on 31st March 2027. The work will be carried out in various regions including the United Kingdom and other listed territories.

This tender provides business growth opportunities for companies specializing in scientific and analytical equipment, particularly those with expertise in high-precision mass spectrometry systems. Companies equipped to deliver cutting-edge, automated GC-QqQ-MS systems with robust and high-throughput analytical capabilities would find this contract suitable. The procurement method allows for a selective process, likely opening doors for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) to compete if they meet the suitability criteria. The contract can also benefit suppliers offering competitively priced ex-demonstration instruments, thereby enhancing market reach and creating potential for long-term partnerships with public sector organizations like CEFAS.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

CEFAS25-136 Gas Chromatography Tandem Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer System

Notice Description

The Chemistry Function at the Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory requires a gas chromatography system with a triple quadrupole mass detector (GC-QqQ-MS) to replace an aging instrument. The system will support monitoring and R&D projects assessing the chemical status of the marine environment. It must analyse trace levels of small compounds (<1000 Da), including polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and brominated flame retardants in liquid extracts, and enable method development for emerging contaminants. Ex-demonstration instruments under two years old may be proposed at a reduced price. Where an ex-demonstration instrument is proposed, this must be clearly declared in the supplier's quotation. This purchase is being conducted under the LUPC Framework Agreement: The Supply of Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography Equipment (LAB 1029 AP), Lot 3 - Gas Chromatographs with Mass Spectrometers. Scope of requirement: 1. Technical Requirement The requirement is for a fully automated, bench-top GC-QqQ-MS system capable of high-throughput analysis with robust performance for a wide range of sample matrices. The system must deliver high sensitivity, low detection limits, and excellent long-term stability, supporting both routine and research applications. The objective is to enhance analytical capacity, improve data quality, and ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 17025). Application notes that demonstrate this type of performance should be provided. The system must consist of the following parts: 1.1 Automated sample introduction systems consisted of: * an autosampler for liquid sample extracts able to inject from small volume sample extracts (i.e. from 50 uL or less) equipped with a sample tray for at least 80 sample vials (2 ml, 12x32mm). 1.2 Gas Chromatograph (GC) must: * have internal gas flows managed via electronic pressure control, * have at least a split/splitless injection system, and optionally a PTV injector, * be capable of "fast" chromatography using short (sub 20m length), narrow columns (sub 0.18 mm i.d), * have oven temperatures ranging from ambient to at least 350degC, * have an independently heated transfer line to the detector 1.3 Triple quadrupole mass selective detector (QqQ-MS). With the following characteristics at a minimum: * Ionisation modes: EI and CI (positive and negative). * Usable mass rang: >=20-1000 Da. * Q1 Mass Resolution: <1 Da. * Inert ion source (temperature range to at least 350degC). * Customisable internal calibration and mass tuning. * Easy source removal for cleaning. * Dual filament for EI. * Automated and manual MS tuning. * High-capacity pumping system. * A statement of scan rate (u/s), MRM/SRM speed (in transition/sec), minimum MRM/SRM dwell time is to be provided. * A statement of typical instrument detection limits, linearity, accuracy and precision.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-4f043502-2f29-48ec-8d03-34b5dde5811a
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f78725a1-e12a-4bd1-969d-6186a2fb0264
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38433100 - Mass spectrometer

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£104,927 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£125,912 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
2 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CEFAS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LOWESTOFT
Postcode
NR33 0HT
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH63 East Suffolk
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
East Suffolk
Electoral Ward
Kirkley & Pakefield
Westminster Constituency
Lowestoft

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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