Tender

CEFAS25-138 Supply of a High-Precision Microbalance

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

18 Dec 2025 at 08:13

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

17 Dec 2025 at 11:34

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) is inviting tenders for the supply of a high-precision microbalance under the tender reference CEFAS25-138. This procurement process, active as of 18th December 2025, falls within the Laboratory, optical and precision equipment category and is part of the organisation's Chemicals Programme funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). This tender is classified as a goods procurement and utilises an open competition method below the threshold established for such procurements. Interested suppliers must submit their proposals by the deadline of 23rd January 2026 at 12:00 PM, with enquiries closing on 16th January 2026. The procurement is located in Lowestoft, UK, with operations commencing on 9th February 2026 and concluding by 12th March 2027.

This tender represents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in laboratory equipment to partner with a leading authority in environmental research. The tender is particularly suited to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can meet the technical requirements and sustainability considerations detailed in the tender document. With an award criteria focusing on 60% technical, 10% social value, and 30% pricing, this process will appeal to businesses that can not only provide high-quality products but also demonstrate commitment to social responsibility. The awarded supplier will have the opportunity to support Cefas in its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and regulatory compliance, fostering potential long-term collaboration and business growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

CEFAS25-138 Supply of a High-Precision Microbalance

Notice Description

The Cefas Chemicals Programme, primarily funded by Defra, undertakes research, testing, and advisory activities to support UK chemical risk assessment and regulatory obligations. The programme underpins national commitments regarding chemical safety, endocrine disruption, and environmental protection, with a focus on the development of test guidelines, endocrine disruption studies, ecotoxicology, and the advancement of new approach methodologies that aim to minimise animal testing. Accurate weighing of various chemicals is essential to support our experimental work. Currently, the laboratory houses a microbalance that was acquired over 15 years ago and is now discontinued. Securing a suitable replacement has become a priority to ensure continuity of operations. This RFQ seeks proposals for the supply of a high-precision microbalance that meets the specifications outlined below. The new equipment will enable Cefas to continue delivering robust scientific outputs while supporting sustainability and operational efficiency. Scope of Requirements: 1. Technical Requirement The microbalance must meet the following requirements: * Draft shield: Automatic preferred (manual acceptable if necessary), * Maximum capacity: 120g * Readability: o Fine range: minimum 0.002 mg o Coarse range: minimum 0.005 mg * Repeatability: o Fine range: minimum 0.005 mg o Coarse Range: minimum 0.01 mg * Capacity to sustain small vibration (due to proximity to a fume hood) * Dimensions: The equipment must not exceed 52 cm in length, 30 cm in width, and 24.5 cm in height. * Compliance with UK/EU safety standards for laboratory equipment. 2. Environmental Considerations * Unit should have an ultralow power consumption. * Supplier to manage packaging responsibly, ensuring reuse or recycling wherever possible. If packaging removal is not included, provide clear guidance on environmentally friendly disposal options. 3. Installation * Comprehensive installation and setup instructions * Any calibration requirements and guidance * Details of tools or accessories needed for installation * Safety considerations for handling and positioning the equipment 4. Ease of maintenance * Clear guidance on routine maintenance and calibration procedures * A technical support contact when required 5. Parts, Consumables and Updates * Availability and short lead times of spare parts and consumables * All parts must be covered under warranty in the event of failure 6. Warranties and Guarantees * Warranties will start from the point of acceptance of delivery and once the goods have been tested to ensure they are in working order. Cefas expect minimum warranty period of 12 months to be included in the purchase. * Warranties will include replacements of parts in the event of failure. * Options for on-site support and/or remote assistance should be available. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS25-138 under opportunities.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f79e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084094-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£29,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£29,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Dec 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
23 Jan 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
9 Feb 2026 - 12 Mar 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
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Contact Name
Laura Anderson
Contact Email
procure@cefas.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LOWESTOFT
Postcode
NR33 0HT
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH63 East Suffolk
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
East Suffolk
Electoral Ward
Kirkley & Pakefield
Westminster Constituency
Lowestoft

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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