Award

Mira 3 SEM X-ray detection system upgrade

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

28 Jan 2026 at 16:05

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Northumbria at Newcastle has completed the procurement process for the "Mira 3 SEM X-ray detection system upgrade," with a focus on the replacement and upgrade of X-ray detection hardware and software for an existing Tescan Mira 3GM SEM. The procurement falls under the goods category and uses a direct procurement method, below the threshold and without competition. The contract was awarded to Oxford Instruments NanoTechnology Tools Ltd. The contract, valued at £92,911, was signed on 19th December 2025, with the implementation period from 16th February to 18th May 2026. The project is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the UK's North East region, categorized under university research and development in a sub-central government role.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in advanced technology solutions and scientific equipment upgrades. Companies that have competencies in supplying precision instruments and proprietary software integration in scientific research contexts are particularly well-suited to similar projects. While this specific procurement has concluded, future tenders from academic institutions like Northumbria University may require innovative technology solutions and services, offering businesses a pathway for growth in the niche market of specialised scientific instruments and software.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mira 3 SEM X-ray detection system upgrade

Notice Description

Northumbria University requires upgrade and replacement of X-ray detection hardware and software for existing Tescan Mira 3GM SEM. Updating the detectors with the last generation sensors will ensure future support and repairability in the next 10 years. This contract covers the provision of high-resolution X-ray detectors (EDS), integrated signal processing electronics, and the associated proprietary software suite. The procurement is a technical upgrade to the existing Tescan Mira 3GM Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It ensures the replacement of obsolete components with current-generation technology to maintain the instrument's analytical capabilities and structural integrity. Proprietary Integration: The existing Tescan Mira 3GM architecture uses a specific interface and software kernel owned by Oxford Instruments. Only Oxford Instruments can provide detectors that are natively compatible with this system without requiring unverified and high-risk modifications to the microscope's vacuum chamber and electronic bus. To view this notice, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=1010164284

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-061139
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007726-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

38511100 - Scanning electron microscopes

38947000 - X-ray microanalysers

48461000 - Analytical or scientific software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£92,911 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
16 Feb 2026 - 18 May 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE
Contact Name
Laura Rizaeva
Contact Email
laura.rizaeva@northumbria.ac.uk
Contact Phone
0191 227 4303

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE1 8ST
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Monument
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OXFORD INSTRUMENTS NANOTECHNOLOGY TOOLS

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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