Award

4525/JN/25 - Wide-field Fluorescence Microscope

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

26 Aug 2025 at 09:29

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Tender

04 Jun 2025 at 14:49

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sheffield, a sub-central government public authority located in Sheffield, United Kingdom, initiated an open tender process, reference 4525/JN/25, for the procurement of a wide-field fluorescence microscope. This procurement is situated within the medical research equipment industry category and involves the supply, installation, and commissioning of equipment crucial for live imaging of neurons to aid in neurodegenerative disease research. The tender process, conducted openly under the UKPGA legal framework, moved through the stages to the award phase on 26th August 2025, with the contract becoming active on the 8th of August 2025. The procurement contract, valued at £144,989.59, was awarded to Photon Lines Limited.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for growth, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as the procurement process explicitly supported their involvement. The focus on both technical and quality criteria in addition to price makes it an attractive proposition for companies specialising in microscope technology and related scientific equipment. Firms with expertise in integrating advanced imaging systems with existing laboratory infrastructure, particularly those experienced in collaborating with academic institutions for the enhancement of research capabilities, would be well-positioned to leverage such opportunities. The successful supplier, Photon Lines Limited, exemplifies the capability to fulfill these specialised requirements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

4525/JN/25 - Wide-field Fluorescence Microscope

Notice Description

With funding from the MRC the laboratory of Prof Kurt De Vos is seeking the below requirements to aid in the research of the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. This tender is for the supply, installation and commissioning of wide-field fluorescence microscope equipped for live imaging of neurons, including axonal trafficking of organelles, synaptic function and calcium dynamics. This system needs to be integrated with an existing Lightsource (CoolLED Pe-4000) and with electrophysiology (field stimulation/MEA) equipment.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0542f6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051157-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38510000 - Microscopes

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£133,175 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£133,175 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£144,989 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
30 Jun 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
5 Aug 20256 months ago
Contract Period
7 Aug 2025 - 1 Dec 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Contact Name
James Noble
Contact Email
james.noble@sheffield.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S10 2TN
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
TLE32 Sheffield
Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
Broomhill and Sharrow Vale
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PHOTON LINES

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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