Award

Multi collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer MC-ICP MS

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH HIGHER EDUCATION CORPORATION

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

Award

30 Jan 2026 at 12:54

Award

19 Dec 2025 at 12:57

Award

19 Dec 2025 at 12:28

PlanningUpdate

01 Dec 2025 at 12:06

Planning

01 Dec 2025 at 11:55

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Portsmouth Higher Education Corporation recently completed the procurement process for a Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP MS), finalised on 30th January 2026. This high-precision instrument, valued at £490,000 excluding VAT, will support the university's geological and materials science research. The direct award procurement method was used due to the specialised technical specifications and budget constraints. The contract, active from 13th January 2026 to 13th January 2029, involves supply, delivery, installation, and a manufacturer warranty. The procurement process, initiated on 1st December 2025, included a UK2 preliminary market engagement, assuring compatibility with existing university systems and encompassing delivery to Portsmouth, UK.

This tender creates significant opportunities for businesses in the geological instruments and laboratory equipment sectors, particularly those capable of providing high-specification, budget-conscious solutions. Suppliers with capabilities in precision scientific instrumentation, offering refurbishment or ex-demonstration units, stand to benefit from such procurements. The focus on detailed technical requirements indicates that small to medium-sized enterprises with flexible, bespoke manufacturing capabilities may find themselves well-positioned to meet similar demands in future engagements. Collaborations with institutions of higher education can foster long-term partnerships and potentially lead to further contracts and developments in cutting-edge research equipment supply.

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Notice Title

Multi collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer MC-ICP MS

Notice Description

The University of Portsmouth confirms it has contracted for the supply of a pre-owned dual-beam path MC-ICPMS (Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer). This includes Supply, Delivery, Installation and warranty. The Total value of this contract is PS490,000 ex vat.

Planning Information

Please send information outlining how you meet the requirements to ruth.powell@port.ac.uk. This should include technical specifications, delivery arrangements and lead times, service and warranty information. Any queries can also be directed to the same contact.

Procurement Information

The procurement needed a high specification ICP-MS but the University had a very limited budget. In accordance with UK procurement regulations, the University issued a UK2 on 1st December 2025. This Preliminary Market Engagement notice was used to assess market availability and determine whether any suitable/used instruments meeting the required technical specifications were available within the allocated budget. Following this engagement, the University received a single expression of interest from Nu Instruments, who confirmed their ability to meet the specification within the available budget. The instrument meet the Universities requirements and will be utilised for high-precision isotopic analysis of Hf, U-Pb, U-series, Sr, Pb, and Nd in geological samples. It must support both dry plasma and laser ablation sample introduction methods and will primarily be applied to geological and materials science research. The system will be integrated with the University's existing 193 nm and femtosecond laser systems. Minimum Technical Requirements: Dual beam path enabling bypass of the collision cell when not required. Daly detectors providing wide dynamic range for mixed isotope systems. Upgrade pathway for fast ion counters to enable single-shot analysis when available. Includes a manufacturer warranty of 36 months PA23 UK5 Notice and UK 6 Notices published on 19th December 2025 Associated people/organisations: Ametek GB (Ltd) is the Parent company of Nu Instruments Ltd. The contract is placed with Nu Instruments Ltd

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ebd3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008452-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

38433100 - Mass spectrometer

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£490,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£490,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
19 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
13 Jan 2026 - 13 Jan 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH HIGHER EDUCATION CORPORATION
Additional Buyers

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH

Contact Name
Sarah McGrady
Contact Email
procurement@port.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO1 2UP
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
TLJ31 Portsmouth

Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
St Thomas
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

AMETEK (GB

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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