Award

Scratch Testing Module

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA AT NEWCASTLE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

28 Jan 2026 at 19:05

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Northumbria at Newcastle has completed a procurement process for the acquisition of a Scratch Testing Module to enhance its existing nanomechanical testing systems at the NU-PICO facility. The contract was directly awarded to Oxford Instruments NanoTechnology Tools Ltd., the sole authorised supplier, under a procurement process designated 'Below threshold - without competition'. The contract, valued at approximately £49,893.60, was signed on 19th December 2025 and is set to run from 5th January 2026 to 3rd July 2026. This procurement falls under the industry categories of metering instruments and machines for testing and measuring, with delivery planned in the UKC region, specifically Newcastle upon Tyne.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the specialised field of scientific equipment supply, particularly those with expertise in nanotechnology and metrology. Suppliers capable of providing original equipment manufacture (OEM) services and innovative technology for educational institutions could find similar opportunities lucrative. While the current contract was awarded without competition, businesses positioned to offer unique or proprietary solutions in similar sectors could consider establishing themselves as preferred suppliers or partners to gain access to future opportunities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Scratch Testing Module

Notice Description

Northumbria University entered to a contract for the supply and installation of an OEM Scratch Testing Module (FT-ST04) and a Two-axis Microforce Sensing Probe (range up to 20 mN) with a diamond Berkovich tip. This equipment is an essential upgrade to the existing FemtoTools iO4 nanomechanical testing system located at the NU-PICO facility. The award was made directly to Oxford Instruments NanoTechnology Ltd. as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and sole authorized supplier of the FemtoTools iO4 and NMT04 systems. To view this notice, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=1010206971

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06116d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007794-2026
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)

CPV Codes

38410000 - Metering instruments

38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£49,893 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
5 Jan 2026 - 3 Jul 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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