Award

Plunge Freezer - AWARD

THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

30 Sep 2025 at 08:14

Award Notice
AwardUpdate

12 Feb 2025 at 09:21

Award Notice
Award

21 Nov 2024 at 12:08

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Warwick has recently concluded a procurement process for a semi-automated plunge-freezing device intended for sample preparation for cryo-TEM, under the project titled "Plunge Freezer - AWARD". This tender falls under the industry category of microscopes (CPV: 38510000) and was conducted using an open procedure method. The project is located in West Midlands, United Kingdom, with the delivery address pinpointed at the University House, Coventry, CV4 8UW. Although the tender period ended on 7th November 2024, the awarded contract began on 2nd December 2024 and is set to end on 2nd December 2025. The procurement stage has been completed, with the award made public on 21st November 2024, and FEI UK Ltd has been selected as the supplier. The procurement was managed by the buying organisation, The University of Warwick, facilitated by the contact point Nikki Jones.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, especially those specialising in advanced bioimaging technology and related fields. As the University of Warwick is keen on delivering high-impact results to researchers, suppliers with a solid background in microscopy and scientific equipment are particularly well-suited to compete for similar contracts. The project emphasises ease of use and reliable performance, making it an attractive opportunity for SMEs and VCSEs possessing innovative solutions in cryo-electron microscopy. Businesses focusing on these specialised scientific areas can leverage this platform to enhance their visibility and establish robust relationships with leading academic and research institutions like the University of Warwick.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Plunge Freezer - AWARD

Notice Description

The University of Warwick has a requirement to purchase a semi-automated plunge-freezing device for reproducible preparation of samples for cryo-TEM. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP helps researchers answer their scientific questions using state-of-the art 3D electron microscopy and light microscopy imaging equipment. Our strategy is to offer this advanced bioimaging capability and the expertise to deliver high impact results to researchers both at Warwick and beyond. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP provides the training and expertise required to operate the equipment as well as providing a service to users. Due to successful funding from BBSRC, Alert14 and more recently the founding of the Midlands Regional CryoEM Consortium (established 2017 through PS4.9M funding from MRC and partner universities Warwick, Leicester, Birmingham and Nottingham), we have one high-end microscope (Jeol 2200 FEG-TEM with internal energy filter) and a state-of-the-art camera (Gatan K2 Summit Direct electron detector), a Jeol 2100plus cryo-transmission electron microscope suitable for cellular specimens, sample characterisation and user training, and access to a FEI Titan Krios transmission electron microscope for state-of-the-art high resolution structure determination work. To support characterisation of challenging samples for structural biology using cryo-electron microscopy we seek a plunge-freezing instrument that will enable us to vitrify samples for cryo-TEM. The Advanced Bioimaging RTP is service-oriented, and has users from multiple disciplines (Life sciences, chemistry, physics and engineering), therefore ease of use and reliable performance are essential. In order to express interest in this opportunity please go to the University of Warwick In-Tend supplier portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofwarwick). The University of Warwick is not a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) and its procurement activities are not subject to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the obligations under the European Public Procurement Directives, including the European Remedies Directive. Advertisement of any contract in the Official Journal of the European Union or Contracts Finder is at the sole discretion of the University and is undertaken on a voluntary basis with no implied obligation to comply with the procurement legislation.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-fba349eb-2b0a-43a0-ad0b-4d0d6a79ad79
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/72daf088-e87c-47a0-b9b5-3521d0f099d7
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38510000 - Microscopes

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Sep 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
7 Nov 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Nov 20241 years ago
Contract Period
2 Dec 2024 - 2 Dec 2025 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
THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WEST MIDLANDS
Postcode
CV4 8UW
Post Town
Coventry
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG33 Coventry
Delivery Location
TLG West Midlands (England)
Local Authority
Coventry
Electoral Ward
Wainbody
Westminster Constituency
Coventry South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

FEI

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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