Planning

Spectrophotometer Apparatus

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Apr 2026 at 09:47

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited, located at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, United Kingdom, is in the planning stage of a procurement process seeking suppliers for spectrophotometer apparatus capable of diffuse reflection measurements in UV/Vis/NIR wavelengths. This procurement falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, and is classified as a public undertaking. The procurement process is currently focused on Preliminary Market Engagement, scheduled to end on 30 April 2026, where interested suppliers are asked to register their interest to help NPL understand market reactions and future possibilities without obligation. A detailed Tender Notice will follow this engagement to specify submission timelines and access to procurement documentation.

This tender presents growth opportunities for businesses specialising in advanced laboratory equipment and optical technologies. Suppliers with capabilities to provide spectrophotometers that meet international standards and offer precise reflection measurements will find this project beneficial. Particularly, businesses that can offer innovative features such as custom measurement scripting, automated sample changing, and adaptable sample mounting variations will be well-suited to compete. With the planned contract starting from 28 September 2026 and potentially extending to 2028, there is scope for long-term collaboration, providing substantial prospects for companies that can display competency in cutting-edge spectrophotometer technology.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Spectrophotometer Apparatus

Notice Description

NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers who can supply a spectrophotometer apparatus which can perform diffuse reflection measurements in UV/Vis/NIR wavelengths. UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer, for diffuse reflection measurement. To include di (direct inclusive), de (direct exclusive) 0: 8 degrees and 0:45 degrees measurement geometries. Mandatory requirements: * Equipment must be compliant with all international standards: CE, UKCA etc. * Wavelength required: 200 nm to 2500 nm (optional up to 3300 nm) * Measurement geometries required: 0:8 degrees, 0:45 degrees, multi angle measuring * Data output: the raw uncorrected data needs to be accessible in a readable form compatible with our existing systems (for example txt, csv, Excel) * To measure sample of sizes 25 mm diameter to 100 mm diameter Other optional requirements: * The ability to program and save custom measurement sequence scripts * Ability to perform measurements in different positions on the sample * Horizontal and vertical sample mounting possible * Multiple sample accessory for automated sample changing. * To measure larger samples up to 460 mm x 460 mm. Information required: * A lab visit to demonstrate the equipment and software is preferred. * Give information on possible add on modules / options for the instrument * Give details of software and data output formats (ability to modify software) * Practical evidence that the dark signal is consistent across all ranges and detectors especially at low signal levels.

Planning Information

Prior to initiating the procurement, NPL wishes to establish the level of market interest in the forthcoming procurement process. Suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who may have an interest in this project are invited to register for this Preliminary Market Engagement. The purpose of the market engagement is to help assess the reaction of the market, to understand risks and future possibilities to ensure a future proofed procurement strategy and resulting contract. Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and NPL. Nor does the receipt of a response automatically include the respondent in the procurement process. A Tender Notice will be issued to the market which will provide details of how the relating procurement documentation can be accessed and timescales for submission of the said tender response. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participation in this Market Engagement of whatever nature. NPL shall not be liable for the costs, expenses or losses howsoever arising (including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss incurred), regardless of the outcome of the Market Engagement. The next stage in the process will be considered once this exercise has been completed.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068605
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035504-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Apr 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Apr 20266 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TEDDINGTON
Postcode
TW11 0LW
Post Town
Twickenham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI7 Outer London - West and North West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Richmond upon Thames
Electoral Ward
Teddington
Westminster Constituency
Twickenham

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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