Tender

RFQ - Prototype Novel Dosimeter for FLASH Radiotherapy

NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

29 Jan 2024 at 12:05

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking competitive quotations for the procurement of a prototype novel dosimeter for FLASH radiotherapy. This opportunity falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. The tender is in the form of a limited procurement method with a tender period ending on 12th February 2024. The contract period is set to start on 4th March 2024 and end on 31st July 2025, with delivery addresses in London, United Kingdom.

This tender presents an opportunity for SMEs in the goods sector to engage in the development of innovative radiation therapy equipment. Businesses with expertise in precision equipment design and manufacturing would be well-suited to compete in this procurement process. The objective is to advance the Transmission Calorimeter system to Technology Readiness Level 5, focusing on proof-of-concept development rather than clinical product production.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFQ - Prototype Novel Dosimeter for FLASH Radiotherapy

Notice Description

Recent advancements in radiation therapy, particularly the emergence of UHDR or FLASH-RT (Ultra-High Dose Rate Radiotherapy), have introduced a new set of complexities. FLASH-RT involves the delivery of radiation at remarkably elevated dose rates, exceeding 40 Gy/s. This revolutionary approach has demonstrated the potential to spare healthy tissues while effectively treating cancerous cells. It offers the promise of reduced side effects, shorter treatment times, and greater access to therapy. Unlike traditional ionisation chambers used in radiation dosimetry, the Transmission Calorimeter does not rely on ionization processes. Instead, it exploits the rise in temperature induced by absorption of the radiation beam. By accurately measuring this temperature increase, the Transmission Calorimeter provides a direct method for quantifying the radiation dose delivered to a target area. The Transmission Calorimeter system consists of two forms of device that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled. These are: a. Electronic Readout Box: This box contains four DC Wheatstone Bridge circuits, each fed by a voltage regulator. It has panel mounted connectors to facilitate connection to the thermistor networks located within the Transmission Calorimeter and to enable monitoring of the "Bridge Out of Balance" Voltages, measured using external voltmeters and integrated Analogue to Digital Converters (ADCs). b. Radiation Sensor: This consists of two printed circuit boards (PCBs) and serves as the primary platform for thermal measurements. It is composed of two modules, the "active" and "compensating" areas. The Radiation Sensor will connect to the Electronic Readout Box. Several different sizes of Radiation Sensors are requested as part of this procurement process. A successful patent application has been made for the Radiation Sensor by NPL Management Ltd, WO2023227909A1 "TRANSMISSION CALORIMETER FOR MEASURING DOSE OF RADIATION", has been published and is accessible on patent databases. https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/082324167/publication/WO2023227909A1?q=WO2023227909 This may be referenced by Bidders for additional context. The project has secured funding from the UK Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) to explore the commercial potential of NPL-held intellectual property related to the Transmission Calorimeter. The primary objective is to develop an 'advanced prototype' of the Transmission Calorimeter system. The current stage of development is estimated to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, signifying a proof-of-concept stage. The project aims to advance the system to TRL 5 or higher, demonstrating its viability as an advanced prototype. It's essential to emphasise that the project does not intend to produce a clinical product for measuring radiation dose. Instead, the focus is on enhancing confidence in the Transmission Calorimeter concept. Additional information: The Authority is using the LUPC Bravo e-Procurement portal to conduct the procurement process. All Suppliers must register their company via the LUPC Bravo Portal.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-da356af1-1707-4452-9504-5a7238d58391
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/878bb3d6-b297-46de-a8f1-45c47f51ef95
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Competitive quotation (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jan 20242 years ago
Submission Deadline
12 Feb 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Mar 2024 - 31 Jul 2025 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TEDDINGTON
Postcode
TW11 0LW
Post Town
Twickenham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI7 Outer London - West and North West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Richmond upon Thames
Electoral Ward
Teddington
Westminster Constituency
Twickenham

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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