Award

The Supply and Installation of a HIGH RESOLUTION FOURIER TRANSFORM BENCH-TOP LIQUID CHROMATROGRAPHY-ORBITRAP MASS SPECTROMETER (THERMO ORBITRAP EXPLORIS 240) to the University of Birmingham University of Birmingham Project Reference: SC10850/25

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

15 Dec 2025 at 15:59

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

10 Dec 2025 at 16:38

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Birmingham has completed the procurement process for the supply and installation of a High Resolution Fourier Transform Bench-top Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer (Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240), specifically designed for advanced metabolic research. This procurement is located in Birmingham, United Kingdom, under the context of a public authority - sub-central government classification. The procurement was conducted via a direct award, on the rationale that Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, trading as Thermo Fisher Scientific, holds exclusive rights for the technology required, making this a unique capability without alternatives in the market. The contract was awarded with an anticipated start date on 25th December 2025 and will run until 27th March 2026. A standstill period is scheduled to complete on 24th December 2025.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses operating within the scientific instrumentation industry, particularly those specialising in high-resolution mass spectrometry technologies. The unique technical capabilities required demonstrate a strong demand for innovative, patent-protected solutions in scientific research, providing growth opportunities for similarly specialised organisations. The direct award procurement approach underscores the importance of possessing exclusive technological patents, highlighting potential avenues for businesses in research and development to compete by enhancing their proprietary offerings and patent portfolios. Businesses adept at integrating complex biocompatible systems and advanced modelling software may find similar opportunities, emphasising the value of innovative research solutions that can facilitate scientific advancement.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

The Supply and Installation of a HIGH RESOLUTION FOURIER TRANSFORM BENCH-TOP LIQUID CHROMATROGRAPHY-ORBITRAP MASS SPECTROMETER (THERMO ORBITRAP EXPLORIS 240) to the University of Birmingham University of Birmingham Project Reference: SC10850/25

Notice Description

Total cost excluding VAT: PS356,548.16 The equipment (Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240) that we are requesting will permit us to detect changes in multiple metabolic pathways in a single analytical run as it combines the high mass resolution observed in 'multi-reflecting time of flight' instruments with increased sensitivity giving the ability to detect and gain additional molecular information on high numbers of metabolites present in low abundance as found in with 'triple quadrupole' instruments. Importantly for us (Metabolic Tracer Analysis Core (MTAC)), the high mass resolution will also allow us to deconvolute changes in mass due to incorporation of different stable isotopes (e.g. 15N, 13C, 2H), giving us the ability to examine nutrient use in more complex ways. This model is the only such instrument - the 'Orbitrap' part of the mass spectrometer is what provides this capability highlighted above, and Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited trading as Thermo Fisher Scientific hold the patent for this technology. It includes nitrogen generator with high purity collision gas module, biocompatible liquid chromatography system, and full system integration with proprietary Thermo software (including tracing analysis software), all required to maintain the scientific edge of our metabolic research.

Procurement Information

This was previously Tendered and only one response was received which was from the supplier we are directly awarding to. This procurement is being undertaken via a single-source route due to the unique technical capabilities of the Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240 and the exclusive rights held by its manufacturer; Thermo Fisher Scientific is the only company globally that offers a fully integrated system combining: * Sensitivity: tSIM: 200 fg Reserpine on column yields S/N 250:1 RMS or better * Mass Resolution: 240,000 (FWHM) at m/z 200 for all scan modes and both polarities * Mass Accuracy: < 1 ppm RMS - with EASY-IC internal calibration for at least 5 days * Dynamic Range: >5,000:1 within one spectrum (single transient acquisition) * Polarity Switching: one cycle consisting of acquiring one full scan in positive mode and one full scan in negative mode at a rate of 1.4 Hz * Various Scan Functions: Full Scan, Data Independent Acquisition, All-Ion-Fragmentation, Multiplexed SIM (up to 20 simultaneously detected precursor ions) * Advanced Functions: Automatic Gain Control (AGC) with predictive AGC * Application Specific Software: Thermo Scientific TraceFinder (for quantitative tracing analysis), Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer, and AcquireX Intelligent Data Acquisition Workflow * General: High resolution Fourier transform bench-top liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system with an MS footprint of 71 x 77 x 54 cm (h x d x w). No other commercially available instrument can provide the above whilst adhering to the small footprint (bench-top) size and the required high resolution, mass accuracy, and sensitivity. Given the patented, proprietary nature of this technology and the absence of any technically equivalent alternative on the market, the procurement of the Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240 from Thermo Scientific constitutes a justified sole-source purchase. The University confirms that no other supplier can meet the required functional specifications and integrated features necessary for our research objectives.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f32f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083023-2025
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38433100 - Mass spectrometer

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£356,548 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
25 Dec 2025 - 27 Mar 2026 1-6 months
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
Samina Rana
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

THERMO ELECTRON MANUFACTURING

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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