Award

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

07 Apr 2025 at 09:20

Award

25 Mar 2025 at 16:34

Summary of the contracting process

Heriot-Watt University, based in Riccarton, Edinburgh, has completed the procurement stage and awarded a contract to Photonic Solutions Ltd for the purchase of a High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier. The procurement, classified under the CPV code 38000000 (Laboratory, optical and precision equipment excluding glasses), aimed to acquire research-related goods. The award procedure was conducted without prior publication of a call for competition, justified by the absence of market competition for the required equipment. The contract, valued at £379,428, was signed on 25th March 2025, following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice (VEAT) on the same date, allowing for a standstill period to ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for companies specialising in high-precision laboratory equipment, particularly those capable of producing highly technical systems like the specified laser and optical parametric amplifier. SMEs like Photonic Solutions, which possess specialised knowledge and innovative capabilities, are well-suited to compete for such contracts. Additionally, businesses involved in cutting-edge research equipment manufacturing can find growth potential by partnering with prestigious academic institutions like Heriot-Watt University, which are continually seeking advanced technology solutions for their research initiatives.

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Notice Title

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier

Notice Description

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier for research purposes

Lot Information

Lot 1

Following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice (VEAT) 794340 on the 25th March 2025. This is a contract award notice indicating that Heriot-Watt University is now in contract with Photonic Solutions for the purchase of the following equipment: Light Conversion industrial femtosecond laser system; integrated pulse picker, power supply and chiller; Max output power 20 W at 4 - 200 kHz, Tunable pulse duration <250 fs - 10 ps, Max. pulse energy >5 mJ at 1-4 kHz; Includes repetition-rate extension up to 1MHz. "CEP Ready" future-proof upgrade to the Laser amplifier to allow for future stabilisation of the carrier-envelope phase. Light Conversion Next-Generation Optical Parametric Amplifier - Continuous power monitoring and diagnostics, Up to 20 W, 5mJ pump, Fully integrated wavelength extensions, output stability Tuning Range: Signal: 1400-2000nm Idler: 2100-4200nm Following market research carried out by the academic research team, there are no other suppliers available in the market to supply this type of equipment in the form factor required. The principal purpose of the contract is to acquire goods in connection with research undertaken by the University.

Procurement Information

Following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice (VEAT) 794340 on the 25th March 2025. This is a contract award notice indicating that Heriot-Watt University is now in contract with Photonic Solutions for the purchase of the following equipment:

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04f8aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013302-2025
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
SME

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
£379,428 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Apr 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Mar 202511 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY
Additional Buyers

EUROPEAN UNION

Contact Name
RichardKinghorn
Contact Email
r.g.kinghorn@hw.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1314513704

Buyer Location

Locality
RICCARTON, EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH14 4AP
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Pentland Hills
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh South West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PHOTONIC SOLUTIONS

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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