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UKRI-6130 Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

06 Aug 2026 at 13:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) intends to procure an enhanced single-photon-counting confocal microscope, classified as a fluorescent microscope (CPV 38515200). The system is intended to combine the technical capability of a complex, home-built instrument with the usability of a commercial microscope. UKRI will use it to measure the dynamics of biomolecules in solution at single-molecule level, across pico-second to nanosecond timeframes. This is a specialist scientific equipment supply requirement rather than a general laboratory equipment purchase. Delivery and use are planned within the United Kingdom. The requirement is being managed by UKRI, a central government public authority, through its MRC procurement function. Suppliers should be able to provide an integrated advanced microscopy system suited to demanding biophysical research applications.

This procurement is at the planning stage: UKRI has stated an intention to procure and has not yet invited tenders. The expected procurement procedure has not been set out, while an indicative future notice date is 14 September 2026. The estimated value is £660,000 excluding VAT, or £792,000 including VAT. The requirement is above the relevant threshold and is divided into one lot. The planned contract period is from 2 November 2026 to 1 August 2027. UKRI has scheduled a supplier webinar for 19 August 2026 at 14:00 via Microsoft Teams, covering the requirement and market questions to inform the final specification and route to market. Suppliers wishing to attend are expected to register by 17:00 on 18 August 2026 by emailing MRCprocurement@ukri.org with organisational and attendee details.

The requirement is likely to suit specialist manufacturers, scientific instrument suppliers and systems integrators with experience in advanced confocal microscopy, single-photon counting and single-molecule biophysics. Relevant capability includes developing or supplying equipment that can measure biomolecular dynamics in solution at pico-second to nanosecond timescales, while remaining practical for routine commercial use. Suppliers with expertise in fluorescent microscopy, photon detection, time-resolved measurement and integration of complex optical and electronic components should be well placed to prepare. UKRI has indicated that the final specification and route to market will be informed by engagement with suppliers, so businesses with technically credible solutions may be able to shape the requirement through the planned consultation. The single lot is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-6130 Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope

Notice Description

UKRI are looking to source an enhanced capability single-photon counting confocal microscope. The proposed system we are seeking should have the technical ability of a complex home-built system but usability of commercial microscope. The system will be used to measure dynamics of biomolecules in solution in the pico-second to nanosecond timeframe at the single-molecule level.

Planning Information

Webinar Event on Wednesday 19th August 2026 at 14:00 via Microsoft Teams. To Register, please email: MRCprocurement@ukri.org with the Subject: UKRI-6130 Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope Supplier Webinar. The registration email must be sent before 17:00 on Tuesday 18th August 2026. The email should contain the name, job title and email address of any representatives for your organisation, as well as your organisation details (Name, address, contact details). The purpose of this webinar is to present our requirements to the market, including a question and answer session, with the overall aim of understanding the capability of the market to inform final specification development and route to market selection.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ddd5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074764-2026
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

38515200 - Fluorescent microscopes

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£660,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Aug 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Sep 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Nov 2026 - 1 Aug 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
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Postcode Area
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
TLH12 Cambridgeshire CC
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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