Planning

Tandem Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

15 May 2026 at 15:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited, located at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, UK, is currently in the planning stage of procuring a Tandem Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The procurement process aims to acquire specialised laboratory equipment for trace element analysis, which is classified under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. The Preliminary Market Engagement for this procurement is scheduled until 25th May 2026, with further tender notices to follow. The outcome of this engagement will help shape the subsequent tender process, expected to commence in September 2026, with a contract period extending to September 2029 and potential renewals until 2031.

This procurement offers significant business growth opportunities, particularly for suppliers specialised in high-precision analytical instruments. Companies experienced in manufacturing or supplying inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers, nanoparticle characterisation technologies, and high matrix introduction capabilities would be well-suited to compete. The procurement is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and involves a gross contract value of £284,400. The focus on engaging the market early indicates an inclusive approach, facilitating potential suppliers to influence the procurement strategy, thus enhancing competition and innovation.

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Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069a55
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045058-2026
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
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
£237,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
25 May 20262 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2029 3-4 years
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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