Award

Ultrasound Neuromodulation Device (Transducer)

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Jun 2025 at 15:10

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

20 May 2025 at 16:18

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Plymouth has awarded a direct contract to Attune Neurosciences Inc for an Ultrasound Neuromodulation Device designed for non-invasive brain modulation. This procurement is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) funded research programme and aims to revolutionise mental health treatment. The procurement process was initiated on the grounds of the device being a prototype with a unique multi-phased array transducer specification suitable for the project's requirements. Located in Plymouth, UK, the procurement falls under the public authority - sub-central government category, and the award was announced on 4th June 2025. The contract is valued at £337,000, with a delivery region specified as UKK41, United Kingdom. The contract period starts on 14th June 2025 and ends on 30th May 2026.

This procurement represents significant business growth opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specialising in medical technology and R&D sector innovations. Businesses with expertise in diagnostic ultrasound devices and those equipped to support complex research initiatives would find this tender particularly aligned with their capabilities. The focus on prototypes for human transcranial focused ultrasound research underlines the importance of cutting-edge technology and innovation, suggesting that businesses in fields such as neuromodulation and brain research machinery could leverage this contract to expand their portfolio and gain a foothold in pioneering health solutions. This contract showcases the potential for cross-border business collaborations, given Attune Neurosciences Inc.'s location in the United States.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Ultrasound Neuromodulation Device (Transducer)

Notice Description

The University of Plymouth requires a ultrasound neuromodulation device which is designed for human use, specifically for non-invasive brain modulation. It is not a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) device and is not intended for surgery or tissue ablation. The system will utilize a multi-phased array transducer with 256 elements, with 128 elements positioned on each side of the head, targeting the temples. Acoustic simulation is included to optimize targeting and effectiveness. An MR-compatible version of the device is available for precise positioning and integration with imaging. Additionally, the system incorporates facial recognition to facilitate individualized device registration and setup for each participant.

Procurement Information

This supplier is the sole owner and manufacturer of a multi-phased array system for human transcranial focused ultrasound research with 256 elements, with 128 elements positioned on each side of the head, targeting the temples. Acoustic simulation is included to optimize targeting and effectiveness. An MR-compatible version of the device is available for precise positioning and integration with imaging. Additionally, the system incorporates facial recognition to facilitate individualized device registration and setup for each participant. This device is a prototype designed for human use, specifically for non-invasive brain modulation. It is understood to be a prototype/novel good to be used for the purposes of research, experiment, study or development. This allows for a direct award to a supplier under the Procurement Act 2023, Schedule 5, Paragraph 2 (c) The device will be used by the University as part of the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) funded research programme. Further details; https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/6-5m-project-aims-to-revolutionise-mental-health-treatment-using-ultrasound Additional Information: No Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (UK2) has been issued due to the prototype nature of this goods. Internal Conflict Assessment has been completed. The Supplier is not understood to be an Excluded Supplier as defined by the Procurement Act 2023, Section 57

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051980
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030001-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33124120 - Diagnostic ultrasound devices

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£337,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 May 20259 months ago
Contract Period
13 Jun 2025 - 30 May 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
supplier@plymouth.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH
Postcode
PL4 8AA
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Drake
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ATTUNE NEUROSCIENCES

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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