Tender

250153 Contract for the supply, delivery, and installation of a high accuracy, high performance, multifunctional, large volume co-ordinate measuring machine for the automated inspection of large volume, high value manufactured components

QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

26 Nov 2025 at 11:07

Tender

07 Nov 2025 at 09:56

Planning

03 Nov 2025 at 16:06

Summary of the contracting process

Queen's University Belfast is undertaking a contract for the procurement of a large volume co-ordinate measuring machine tailored for high accuracy and performance in inspecting large, high-value manufactured components. The procurement is in the tender stage, utilising an open procedure with a tender submission deadline on 2nd December 2025. This initiative, aligned with Northern Irish devolved regulations, positions Belfast as the primary location for the project's equipment installation and operational base, targeting usage predominantly in research with applicability to aerospace, civil, maritime, and green technology industries. The contracting authority seeks a multifunctional coordinate measuring machine equipped to handle complex features and shapes. Procurement details highlight a gross budget estimation of £675,000 with electronic submission permitted in English, guided by 2023/54 UK legislation.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in high-precision measuring instruments or those with capabilities in developing sophisticated probing and calibration technologies. Companies that can offer solutions with flexible connectivity for future technology enhancements, such as laser or optical sensors, are particularly well-suited to compete. With a focus on accommodating large components typical to the aerospace sector and provisions for extended maintenance contracts, interested bidders can contribute to and benefit from this long-term partnership with Queen's University, enhancing both their market profile and technical expertise within an academic and research-intensive setting.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

250153 Contract for the supply, delivery, and installation of a high accuracy, high performance, multifunctional, large volume co-ordinate measuring machine for the automated inspection of large volume, high value manufactured components

Notice Description

Queen's University of Belfast want to procure a high accuracy, high performance, multifunctional, large volume co-ordinate measurement machine for the automated inspection of large volume, high value, manufactured components for local aerospace, civil, maritime and green technology industries. The co-ordinate measuring machine will be used as an all-purpose flexible CMM for the dimensional inspection of large components for general industry. Typical products expected to be inspected are tooling and fixturing, machined parts, composite structures and assemblies for the aerospace industry. It will need to have the capability of accessing deep features as well as scanning and measuring complex free form shapes. The machine will need to provide flexibility, high throughput, high accuracy, as well as high reliability with minimal maintenance. The machine will be installed in a dedicated climate-controlled metrology laboratory, but we require the machine to be equipped with temperature compensation system and protection from airborne contaminants. The machine will need to be equipped initially with an automatic indexing probe head and with tactile probing and tactile scanning capabilities. The machine connectivity, controls and software will need to be able to support the addition of other sensors in the future, such as laser scanners, non-contact sensors, optical sensors or surface roughness probes. It will need to have the ability to support the provision of automatic interchange of multiple sensors and styli. The machine will be utilised primarily for research purposes, resulting in lower hours run compared to a manufacturing environment.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Extend maintenance beyond this period for a further period of up to 10 years or the useful life of the equipment.

Planning Information

The engagement was carried out before this notice was published. Queen's staff have undertaken pre market engagement activity including discussions with a number of companies. Page 3 to 4 The activity was undertaken in order to: 1- gain a better understanding of what the market can offer and if the market was capable of responding to a tender in relation to this requirement; 2- identify potential suppliers for the requirement; 3- understand potential lead times, and 4- gain an understanding of the commercial profile for the requirement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d942
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077143-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38300000 - Measuring instruments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£562,500 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£562,500 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Nov 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
2 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
4 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
9 Feb 2026 - 9 Feb 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@qub.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT7 1NN
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

Further Information

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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