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Benchtop imaging microscope for neuroscience research

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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30 Jun 2025 at 11:04

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has successfully completed a procurement process for two benchtop imaging microscopes, essential for neuroscience research. This tender falls under the goods category, specifically targeting microscopes within the scientific research industry. The procurement method employed was limited, owing to technical reasons concerning the absence of competition, as only Andor Technology Ltd could provide the unique features required. The contract, awarded on 27th June 2025, values at GBP 345,825 and spans the Edinburgh location, with the process initiation tagged as a tender.

This tender presents a substantial growth opportunity to businesses capable of developing or supplying highly specialised scientific equipment. Firms that possess cutting-edge technology and innovation in imaging and neuroscience research are well positioned to compete in such areas. As the procurement approach was direct due to the specific technological requirements, businesses poised to invest in unique product development could benefit from similar procurement opportunities. Large-scale suppliers, such as Andor Technology Ltd, benefit from delivering unparalleled solutions with AI assistance and sophisticated imaging systems. Such contracts illustrate the demand for advanced technology in research environments, enabling competitive positioning for businesses in this niche market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Benchtop imaging microscope for neuroscience research

Notice Description

The Grant Laboratory has a requirement for a specialist microscope system for neuroscience research. This is of a spinning disc type with sophisticated imaging (including imagine processing and AI assistance). As a distinctive factor it is important that the system is of a 'single box' type, portable, and does not require a specialist laboratory environment (climate controlled, air table) so that more devices can be fitted in a single laboratory and they are more accessible and easy to use. Two such machines are required; they must be easy to operate and the total price including all features and servicing must not exceed a total budget cost of GBP346k We believe competition is absent for technical reasons; it is reasonably believed that no alternative device with the particular properties and benefits of the Andor B43 is likely to be available and alternative devices would require significant compromises on key benefits to be acceptable.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Grant Laboratory has a requirement for a specialist microscope system for neuroscience research. This is of a spinning disc type with sophisticated imaging (including imagine processing and AI assistance). As a distinctive factor it is important that the system is of a 'single box' type, portable, and does not require a specialist laboratory environment (climate controlled, air table) so that more devices can be fitted in a single laboratory and they are more accessible and easy to use. Two such machines are required; they must be easy to operate and the total price including all features and servicing must not exceed a total budget cost of GBP 346k Competition is absent for technical reasons; it is reasonably believed that no alternative device with the particular properties and benefits of the Andor B43 is likely to be available and alternative devices would require significant compromises on key benefits to be acceptable

Procurement Information

Competition is absent for technical reasons; it is reasonably believed that no alternative device with the particular properties and benefits of the Andor B43 is likely to be available and alternative devices would require significant compromises on key benefits to be acceptable.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0555be
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036046-2025
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
Large

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
£345,825 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Jun 20254 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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
jpike2@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1316502759

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
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
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ANDOR TECHNOLOGY

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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