This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

15 Jul 2026 at 14:04

Award

10 Apr 2026 at 13:55

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh, a public education institution governed by public law, has awarded a contract for the purchase of a triaxial materials load tester, classified under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment excluding glasses. This procurement falls within the "goods" category and is located in Edinburgh, UKM75. The procurement followed a limited method due to the lack of competition, as GDS Instruments was determined to be the only supplier capable of meeting the University's technical requirements. The contract was signed on 2nd July 2026 with a total value of £63,711, and the procurement process is now complete.

This tender presents an opportunity for businesses specialising in precision laboratory equipment, particularly those offering unique technical solutions. While the procurement was conducted without prior publication or competition due to specific technical needs, it highlights the demand for innovative products in advanced educational research settings. Small to medium-sized enterprises like GDS Instruments, which can meet highly specialised technical criteria, are particularly well-suited to benefit from such opportunities. Future potential collaborations might arise for businesses that can demonstrate cutting-edge capabilities in engineering and precision technology to support ongoing research at institutions like the University of Edinburgh.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Purchase of a Materials Tester

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh intents to award a contract for the purchase of a triaxial materials load tester. The University of Edinburgh believes that GDS Instruments is the only supplier capable of providing a solution that meets its requirements.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University of Edinburgh intents to award a contract for the purchase of a triaxial materials load tester. The University of Edinburgh believes that GDS Instruments is the only supplier capable of providing a solution that meets its requirements, specifically: 1) Measurement accuracy and integrity through proprietary design that removes seal friction and pressure compensation irrespective of surrounding stress as well as the elimination of the need for mathematical compensation to correct for ram upthrust. 2) Enhanced safety due to the usage of pressure/volume controllers as compared to syringe-based or pneumatic systems. 3) Open architecture software that is crucial for the ongoing research at the University that also allows for user-defined custom scripts and custom calculations and virtual transducers.

Procurement Information

From a comprehensive market analysis the University of Edinburgh thinks that there is a lack of competition due to technical reasons as specified in the notice.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068028
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066852-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£63,711 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Apr 20263 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

GDS INSTRUMENTS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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