Tender

Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 May 2026 at 11:19

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Exeter is inviting tenders for the procurement of a Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope for its Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health. This open procedure is part of the planning stage for the procurement of laboratory and precision equipment, classified under the CPV code 38000000, meant to serve a diverse academic and research audience. Key dates include an enquiry period ending on 2nd June 2026, a tender submission deadline of 9th June 2026, and a planned award on 20th July 2026. The estimated contract value is £200,000 to £240,000, and the procurement is set to take place in Exeter, UK.

This tender offers significant opportunities for suppliers specialising in scientific equipment and laboratory solutions, particularly those familiar with confocal microscopy. Businesses that can provide robust systems with multi-channel fluorescence, and user-friendly features are well-suited to compete for this contract. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, as the procurement process asserts suitability for SME engagement. The focus on accessibility and high-frequency usability suggests that suppliers with proven competency in similar large-scale research tools will likely find this tender appealing.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

Notice Description

The University of Exeter's Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health has a requirement for a spinning disk confocal microscope system intended to function as a core, shared-access instrument suitable for a broad and diverse research user base. The system must offer intuitive operation, rapid uptake by non-specialist users, and high robustness for frequent use. The instrument must match or exceed the performance envelope associated with modern integrated spinning disk confocal systems, including multi-channel fluorescence, automated z-stack acquisition, tiling, and live-cell compatibility, while prioritising usability, accessibility, and reproducible data output. More detail about our technical specification can be found in the tender documents.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069779
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043824-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
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)


CPV Codes

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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 May 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
9 Jun 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
20 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2027 1-2 years
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 EXETER
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX4 4QH
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Duryard and St James
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069779-2026-05-13T12:19:39+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-13T12:19:39+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069779",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PZYG-2396-XCRZ",
            "name": "University of Exeter",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PZYG-2396-XCRZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Northcote House",
                "locality": "Exeter",
                "postalCode": "EX4 4QH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Megan Brine",
                "email": "m.brine@exeter.ac.uk",
                "telephone": "+44 1392723333"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.exeter.ac.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicUndertaking",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public undertaking"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PZYG-2396-XCRZ",
        "name": "University of Exeter"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "The market for this instrument is well-established and sufficiently understood by the University. The requirement itself relates to a clearly defined specification without any bespoke / innovative features."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "UOE/2026/132/MB",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope",
        "description": "The University of Exeter's Centre for Microbiology and Planetary Health has a requirement for a spinning disk confocal microscope system intended to function as a core, shared-access instrument suitable for a broad and diverse research user base. The system must offer intuitive operation, rapid uptake by non-specialist users, and high robustness for frequent use. The instrument must match or exceed the performance envelope associated with modern integrated spinning disk confocal systems, including multi-channel fluorescence, automated z-stack acquisition, tiling, and live-cell compatibility, while prioritising usability, accessibility, and reproducible data output. More detail about our technical specification can be found in the tender documents.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "38000000",
                        "description": "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 240000,
            "amount": 200000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "additionalProcurementCategories": [
            "services"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=105426&TID100110560&B=",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-09T11:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-02T11:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-20T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 240000,
                    "amount": 200000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technical",
                            "description": "Technical requirements",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Commercial",
                            "description": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "In accordance with the University's terms and conditions, provided in the tender pack."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-20T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2027-07-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "043824-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043824-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-13T12:19:39+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "In accordance with the University's terms and conditions, provided in the tender pack."
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}