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UKRI-6130 Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

06 Aug 2026 at 12:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) is currently in the planning stage of procuring a single photon counting confocal microscope, detailed under the tender ID UKRI-6130. The procurement falls under the industry category of fluorescent microscopes and concerns the supply of goods, specifically targeting the UKH12 region in the United Kingdom. A preliminary market engagement has been scheduled, including a webinar event on 19th August 2026 via Microsoft Teams, with registration closing on 18th August 2026. The announcement and documentation surrounding this process were publicly released on 6th August 2026, and further communication updates are expected by 14th September 2026.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in advanced microscopy technology, particularly those capable of providing a system with both complex technical capabilities and commercial usability. SMEs are especially encouraged to participate, as the contract is suitable for smaller enterprises. With a gross value of £792,000, this procurement process allows businesses involved in the manufacture or supply of high-end laboratory equipment to expand their reach and engage with a reputable central government authority. The contracting window is planned from 2nd November 2026 to 1st August 2027, allowing ample time for preparation and engagement.

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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 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Sep 20262 months to go
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 (UKRI)
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
Post Town
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)

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. 

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