Award

C-Trap Dymo 400. Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscope

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

11 Jul 2025 at 12:47

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

See notice for full details.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

C-Trap Dymo 400. Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscope

Notice Description

The University of Birmingham, within the College of Medicine and Health, is expanding its capabilities for advanced single-molecule biophysics research. This expansion includes the acquisition of a highly specialised instrument: the C-Trap(r) Dymo 400, manufactured by LUMICKS B.V. This instrument integrates cutting-edge optical trapping, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and laminar flow microfluidics into a single, coherent system. The C-Trap(r) Dymo 400 will be installed at the University to support high-precision, real-time studies of molecular interactions, particularly in areas involving DNA-protein complexes, RNA structures, ubiquitin structures and cytoskeletal filament dynamics. It includes multi-colour confocal fluorescence (488, 561, 638 nm), dual force detection (x,y), short tether capabilities, microfluidics, and full system integration with proprietary Bluelake software, all required to maintain the scientific edge of our ongoing biophysical and molecular biology research.

Procurement Information

This procurement is being undertaken via a single-source route due to the unique technical capabilities of the C-Trap(r) Dymo 400 and the exclusive rights held by its manufacturer, LUMICKS B.V. the unique elements of this are: * Multi-trap continuous-wave optical tweezers, * Multi-colour confocal fluorescence microscopy, and * Multi-channel laminar flow microfluidics. These technologies are protected by several granted patents, including: US9952421, EP3256254B1 (optical traps), US9766180, EP3004848B1 (fluorescence imaging), S11156513B2 (optical force measurement) and EP3737756B1 (DNA supercoiling). No other commercially available instrument can provide simultaneous, correlated force-distance-fluorescence measurements with the required resolution and sensitivity. Key performance features exclusive to the C-Trap include: * Force resolution < 0.1 pN and drift stability < 0.3 pN over 2 minutes * Confocal localisation precision < 15 nm * Real-time imaging of single molecules under physiological flow conditions * Escape force > 1000 pN, allowing for broad biological applicability * Integrated hardware/software for fast setup and automated experimental workflows. Additionally, the system includes a complete service and application support package, exclusive training kits, and proprietary components that are not available from any other provider.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055daa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039280-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

33100000 - Medical equipments

45214630 - Scientific installations

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£650,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Jul 20257 months ago
Contract Period
11 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025 30 days
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
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@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
Not specified
Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Edgbaston
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Edgbaston

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LUMICKS

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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