Award

Purchase of an Electrophysiology Rig

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

05 May 2026 at 10:21

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has concluded the procurement process for the "Purchase of an Electrophysiology Rig," classified under the industry category of Laboratory, optical and precision equipment. This procurement falls under the category of goods and was managed using a limited procurement method, specifically a direct award due to technical reasons. The contract, valued at £128,734.38, was awarded to Scientifica LTD on 12th December 2025. The decision to award without prior publication of a call for competition was justified by the absence of competition for technical reasons, ensuring interoperability with existing equipment and continuity of ongoing research at the university, located in the region of UKM75.

This tender presents a strategic opportunity for businesses specialising in high-precision laboratory equipment, particularly those capable of offering systems compatible with existing infrastructure. While this specific contract was not open to competition due to its unique technical requirements, it highlights the potential for similar equipment suppliers to seek partnerships with research institutions like the University of Edinburgh. Companies that can provide innovative solutions or complimentary add-on products may find prospects for collaboration or future procurement opportunities in academia and research-driven projects.

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Notice Title

Purchase of an Electrophysiology Rig

Notice Description

Purchase of an Electrophysiology Rig

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University of Edinburgh is awarding the purchase of an Electrophysiology Rig to Scientifica due to competition being absent for technical reasons. Those technical reasons are: 1) Continuity of Research and Risk Mitigation. The research supported by this EP rig involves long term projects with validated experimental protocols, and published and peer reviewed methodologies based on Scientifica systems; and 2) Interoperability reasons as Scientifica equipment is directly compatible with existing laboratory infrastructure and is interchangeable with other add-on products, including: a) Installed Scientifica microscopes and manipulators, b) existing headstages, amplifiers, and recording peripherals, c) custom lab fixtures and mounting systems already in use. No reasonable alternative or substitute exists.

Procurement Information

Due to reasons listed in the contract details, the University of Edinburgh is awarding this contract without prior publication due to a lack of competition on technical grounds.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069115
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040910-2026
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
£128,734 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
12 Dec 20255 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

SCIENTIFICA

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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