This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

15 Jul 2026 at 10:46

Planning

15 May 2026 at 15:24

Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited is undertaking a planning stage procurement process for the acquisition of a Tandem Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. This procurement is categorised under "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments" and is located in the United Kingdom, aiming to enhance trace element analysis capabilities. The procurement follows an open procedure, and the tender period is set to conclude on 28th September 2026, with an enquiry period ending on 15th September 2026. The gross estimated value of the contract is £284,400, suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). The project is being led by NPL Management Limited, headquartered in Teddington, UK, which plans to engage with potential suppliers for this significant equipment acquisition.

This tender presents opportunities for businesses involved in supplying mass spectrometer technologies, particularly those equipped with advanced features such as collision/reaction cells and high matrix introduction capabilities. Suppliers with expertise in high-precision laboratory equipment, especially those that can provide innovative solutions for resolving isobaric interferences and nanoparticle characterisation, would find this procurement process beneficial. SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to participate, offering potential growth through significant public sector engagement. The planning stage provides an ideal opportunity for suppliers to influence the procurement strategy and tailor their offerings to meet the requirements of this vital scientific equipment procurement.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Tandem Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

Notice Description

NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for trace element analysis, including: * collision/reaction cell for resolving isobaric interferences * four-channel cell gas control for a range of collision and reaction cell gases * two mass filter quadrupoles, both of which allow for +- 1 amu ion selection control pre- and post-cell * single particle ICP-MS for nanoparticle characterization * high matrix introduction for up to 25% total dissolved solids This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow on ITT.

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.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069a55
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066677-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
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
£237,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£237,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
28 Sep 20263 months to go
Future Notice Date
1 Sep 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

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

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069a55-2026-07-15T11:46:16+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-15T11:46:16+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069a55",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02937881",
            "name": "NPL Management Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02937881"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PYDB-8862-JBYM"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "National Physical Laboratory",
                "locality": "Teddington",
                "postalCode": "TW11 0LW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI75"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "etenders@npl.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.npl.co.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicUndertaking",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public undertaking"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-COH-02937881",
        "name": "NPL Management Limited"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "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.",
                "dueDate": "2026-05-25T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "045058-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045058-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T16:24:26+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "066677-2026",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK3",
                "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066677-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-15T11:46:16+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069a55",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Tandem Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer",
        "description": "NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for trace element analysis, including: * collision/reaction cell for resolving isobaric interferences * four-channel cell gas control for a range of collision and reaction cell gases * two mass filter quadrupoles, both of which allow for +- 1 amu ion selection control pre- and post-cell * single particle ICP-MS for nanoparticle characterization * high matrix introduction for up to 25% total dissolved solids This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow on ITT.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "38000000",
                        "description": "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 284400,
            "amount": 237000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-31T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2028-10-31T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-09-27T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planned",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 284400,
                    "amount": 237000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                }
            }
        ],
        "status": "planned",
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "isAccelerated": true,
            "acceleratedRationale": "Qualifying planned procurement notice"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-28T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-15T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-10-31T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-09-01T23:59:59+01:00"
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}