Tender

4998/AM/GM - Digital Product Passport Cell R3

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

14 Apr 2026 at 12:50

Planning

04 Mar 2026 at 10:25

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sheffield has initiated a tender for the supply and commissioning of a Digital Product Passport Cell within the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at their Factory 2050 in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. This procurement process, currently in the tender stage, follows an open procedure as per the Procurement Act 2023 and aims to bolster research on digital passports by showcasing technologies relevant to the automated disassembly of electric motors. Interested parties must submit tenders electronically prior to the closing date of 11 May 2026 at 12 noon (UK time). The project falls under the industry category of Laboratory, Optical, and Precision Equipments, with additional focus on industrial robots and software development services, valued at approximately £480,000 gross.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in robotics, precision machinery, and software development to engage with cutting-edge manufacturing research. The work is geared towards integrating innovative technologies to promote circular manufacturing practices, offering companies a platform to demonstrate their capabilities to UK manufacturers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in developing special-purpose machinery, industrial robots, or industry-specific software are well-suited to compete in this procurement, given the emphasis on quality and price within the award criteria. This engagement can enhance participants' visibility and potentially establish partnerships within the UK's advanced manufacturing sector.

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Notice Title

4998/AM/GM - Digital Product Passport Cell R3

Notice Description

4998/AM/GM Digital Passport Cell The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a Digital Passport Cell on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Integrated Manufacturing Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire. Scope of Requirement To enable our research in this area, the AMRC is inviting tenders for the design, supply and commissioning of a robotic cell on the workshop floor of our Factory 2050 building which will allow our researchers to test and develop technologies relevant to a Digital Passport. We would like to demonstrate these technologies in a cell that is designed to read and write data during the automatic disassembly of an electric motor. This is an ideal demonstration scenario as the key driver behind the introduction of Digital Passports is that they should enable greater circularity in manufacturing industries. As well as acting as a research tool the cell should also be designed to facilitate the AMRC's aim of advancing UK manufacturing by demonstrating key technologies to UK manufacturers during visits to our facility. Please note that the work of the AMRC involves exploring new technologies which have the potential to deliver benefits to UK manufacturing; we are not a manufacturing organisation looking for a production ready solution. Tender Process and Documentation: This procurement is an open procedure conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing your interest on the University's e-tendering system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Completed tenders must be returned through the same e-tendering system. Closing date for receipt of tenders: May 11, 2026 at 12 noon (UK time).

Planning Information

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is considering the future procurement of a robotic cell to support research into Digital Product Passports (DPPs)—digital records that capture key data about a product’s materials, manufacturing history, and end-of-life options. The proposed robotic cell would be located at our Factory 2050 facility and used to demonstrate automated disassembly of an electric motor. The system would read and write data throughout the process to support research into circular manufacturing and highlight how DPPs can enable more sustainable industrial practices. The cell will also act as a demonstration platform for UK manufacturers, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that support the development and use of DPPs. We are carrying out preliminary market engagement to better understand current capabilities and innovations available in the market. This early engagement will help shape a fair, open, and realistic procurement process. We welcome input from potential suppliers and integrators on how their solutions could meet our initial needs. In particular, we would appreciate information on: Relevant technologies or approaches Indicative delivery timelines Non-binding pricing guidance to support early budgeting. Please note: this is not a formal procurement exercise. No commitment is being made at this stage, and participation in this engagement will not give any advantage in any future procurement. Any subsequent procurement process will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring transparency, equal treatment, and open competition. If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Closing date for this market engagement is March 18th, 2026 at 12:00 noon (UK Time)

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0661c6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033775-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

42 - Industrial machinery

43 - Machinery for mining, quarrying, construction equipment

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

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

38970000 - Research, testing and scientific technical simulator

42600000 - Machine tools

42611000 - Special-purpose machine tools

42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery

42997300 - Industrial robots

43800000 - Workshop equipment

72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

72212100 - Industry specific software development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Apr 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
11 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
18 Mar 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
10 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S10 2TN
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber

Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
Broomhill and Sharrow Vale
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

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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