Award

Replacement Dynamic Tensile Testing Machine

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

20 Feb 2026 at 16:01

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

18 Nov 2025 at 16:27

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Exeter has completed the procurement process for a Dynamic Tensile Testing Machine, with the contract awarded to Instron - Division of ITW Ltd. This procurement falls under the goods category and is aimed at enhancing the university's capacity for delivering practical education through an advanced equipment setup. Located in Exeter, the University operates as a sub-central government public authority. The procurement method employed was a direct award, justified by the need for standardisation across all existing instructive units, which are also supplied by Instron. The contract period is scheduled from 5 March 2026 to 1 December 2029 following the standstill period end date on 3 March 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in testing and measuring apparatus, particularly those capable of providing sophisticated software and IT peripherals. Companies with expertise in the manufacturing of similar equipment and those who can offer seamless integration with existing systems will find this project conducive to their growth. Considering the procurement rationale, SMEs with a focus on high-quality and consistent interface functionality are well-suited to compete in similar contracts. The move by the University of Exeter to expand educational resources underlines the ongoing demand for suppliers in the education technology sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Replacement Dynamic Tensile Testing Machine

Notice Description

1 x ElectroPuls E10000 Linear Torsion All Electric Test Equipment, plus associated software, IT peripherals and equipment.

Procurement Information

The following points outline why this equipment can only be sourced from Instron: A key objective of the curriculum project is to expand the department's capacity to deliver excellent practical education, hands-on experience, and training to undergraduate students on a larger scale. This will reduce the number of sessions per cohort and improve access to essential resources. The purchase of this new dynamic tester is intended to complement the existing units which are all Instron. To achieve our investment objectives, all units must operate seamlessly within the teaching environment. Instructional delivery requires consistent software and interface functionality across all machines to ensure cohesive engagement during sessions.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e3b1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015811-2026
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
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£196,203 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Feb 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
8 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
5 Mar 2026 - 1 Dec 2029 3-4 years
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 EXETER
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@exeter.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX4 4QJ
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Duryard and St James
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

INSTRON - DIVISION OF ITW

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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