Award

Procurement of a Nikon Metrology XT H 225 X-ray CT system

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

16 Jun 2023 at 10:01

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Birmingham has completed the procurement process for the purchase of a Nikon Metrology XT H 225 X-ray CT system. This tender falls under the goods category and is considered a limited procurement method conducted through an award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition. The system aims to cater to the Palaeobiology research group's needs for analysing fossils by offering advanced X-ray generation technology and superior imaging capabilities. The contract, worth £586,372.19 GBP, was awarded to Nikon Metrology Europe N.V. Located in the UK, the University of Birmingham served as the buying organisation for this procurement.

This tender presents a growth opportunity for businesses specialising in tomography devices and X-ray technologies. Companies that can provide high-quality CT scanners, specifically with advanced X-ray sources and panel detectors, may find this procurement suitable for enhancing their business scope. Additionally, businesses with expertise in supporting scientific research institutions and offering value for money solutions could be well-suited to compete in similar tenders. The University of Birmingham's specification requirements and the emphasis on technical capabilities offer a niche market for businesses aiming to provide innovative solutions in micro-computed tomography technology.

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Notice Title

Procurement of a Nikon Metrology XT H 225 X-ray CT system

Notice Description

The College of Life & Environmental Sciences require the purchase of a micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner, for use primarily by the Palaeobiology research group for the analysis of fossils. The CT scanner that is sought is from a single supplier, Nikon, due to the unique setup of this system including two interchangeable reflection and rotating X-ray sources. The group does not currently have access to CT scanning facilities within the University of Birmingham. Current scanning is done at other facilities within the UK, which is not practical for many requirements, and there are no facilities within the UK that can facilitate some required experimental setups. This CT scanner represents new technology, including the latest in X-ray generation technology and next-generation panel detectors providing superior imaging.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The College of Life & Environmental Sciences require the purchase of a micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner, for use primarily by the Palaeobiology research group for the analysis of fossils. The CT scanner that is sought is from a single supplier, Nikon, due to the unique setup of this system including two interchangeable reflection and rotating X-ray sources. The group does not currently have access to CT scanning facilities within the University of Birmingham. Current scanning is done at other facilities within the UK, which is not practical for many requirements, and there are no facilities within the UK that can facilitate some required experimental setups. This CT scanner represents new technology, including the latest in X-ray generation technology and next-generation panel detectors providing superior imaging.

Procurement Information

The Nikon Metrology XT H 225 ST 2x X-ray CT system (hereafter Nikon XTH225ST2x) is a versatile CT scanner with a wide range of applications across palaeobiology, life sciences and related fields. The system has two interchangeable reflection and rotating X-ray sources that can be easily changed by the operator, offering the ultimate in flexibility for research work. These two independent sources permit high resolution micro-computed tomography of a broad range of materials from low-density biological samples to high-density fossils; the 225kV rotating source is unique to this genre of systems, offering unparalleled performance. High resolution CT of samples (minimum spot size 3 micrometres) can be maintained even at the high energies typically required to scan rock specimens, up to 225 kilovolts. The X-ray sources are both microfocus, representing the latest in X-ray generation technology. Furthermore, the open-tube source designs give easy access to the source, resulting in easy maintenance, high performance, and a low cost of ownership. Auto.Filament Control can also double the lifetime of the filament without having to resort to long-life filaments, which can lower the resolution of the scan. This facilitates the very long scans that are critical to the group's research, while also improving system availability. The Nikon XTH225ST2x is capable of handling samples up to 50kg with a large swept CT diameter of 265mm. It is also equipped with a large (430 x 430 mm; 2880 x 2880 pixels), high specification Varex XRD4343CT detector panel. Multiple scans of taller samples can be 'stitched' together using the X.tend helical scan software to produce a single image with no cone beam artefacts. Combined with a large chamber, this allows a wide range of large, heavy, and technically challenging specimens to be CT scanned at high resolution with good x-ray penetration, beyond the capacity of other CT scanners. It includes a motorised FID (Focus to Imager distance) that provides maximum flexibility in magnification and 3D spatial resolution while also improving signal-to-noise ratio. Members of the group have used Nikon setups at other institutions for over a decade, as well as other scanners, and are familiar with a range of instruments and their applications. While external facilities no longer meet the group's requirements for practical reasons relating to transport of specimens and scanning times, no other instrument matches the technical capabilities of the Nikon XTH225ST2x. In addition to the 225kV rotating source, which is exclusive to the Nikon XTH225ST2x in this class of systems, the ability to manipulate FID, adjust all X-ray and scanning parameters, use offset CT, and accommodate large and heavy specimens within the sample chamber uniquely meet the group's needs. A custom advanced filtration kit of copper, tin, silver and aluminium in a range of thicknesses also provides the opportunity to further adjust x-ray properties depending on the sample, ultimately improving transmission and dataset quality. Nikon have a long working relationship with the University of Birmingham and can offer value for money and ongoing support. XTH systems are designed, manufactured and supported from a UK factory at Tring, Hertfordshire. Therefore, a rapid response can be provided to any technical enquiries, with support from UK engineers based locally. Use of the instrumentation, including both CT data acquisition and reconstruction, is straightforward for users. The propriety InspectX software control allows for easy set-up of the system, which is especially important in this situation, where multiple users will use the system on an infrequent basis. This provides even more versatility for a range of applications and is unique on the market in terms of its control and customisation.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-03d6e8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017147-2023
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products


CPV Codes

33111000 - X-ray devices

33115000 - Tomography devices

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£586,372 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Jun 20232 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
15 Jun 20232 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Contact Name
Kseniya Samsonik
Contact Email
k.samsonik@bham.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B15 2TT
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
TLG31 Birmingham

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Edgbaston
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Edgbaston

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NIKON METROLOGY EUROPE

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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