This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

07 Aug 2026 at 08:24

TenderUpdate

06 Aug 2026 at 19:24

Tender

06 Aug 2026 at 18:48

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sheffield is undertaking a procurement process for an "Advanced Nano-Mechanical Characterisation System with Integrated Fluorescence" aimed at quantitatively analysing mechanical properties of biological samples and biomaterials. This tender, classified under "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)", seeks to establish a high-throughput nanoindentation platform accompanied by installation, commissioning, and training services. The procurement falls under the open procedure method, with submissions required by 9th September 2026. This initiative, under the buying authority of the University, involves a budget allocation of £349,900 and is intended for delivery in Sheffield, UK, within the region of UKE32. The award is scheduled for completion by 18th September 2026, with the project start date set for 2nd November 2026.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in laboratory and precision equipment manufacturing, particularly those with expertise in nanoindentation technologies and optical imaging systems. The open procedure encourages participation from a diverse pool of bidders, including SMEs and VCSEs. Companies capable of delivering the entire range of services—from hardware supply to software integration, and possessing a strong track record in supporting large-scale research facilities—stand to benefit greatly. Ensuring compatibility with live-cell imaging workflows and providing scalable solutions tailored to future research needs will be critical components for successful bids.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

5085.SH.JN - Advanced Nano-Mechanical Characterisation System with Integrated Fluorescence

Notice Description

The University of Sheffield, supported by the Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility (LMF), is seeking the supply, installation and commissioning of a high-throughput nanoindentation platform for the quantitative mechanical characterisation of biological samples and biomaterials. The instrument will provide a centrally managed research resource supporting investigators from across the Faculties of Health, Science and Engineering, together with external academic and industrial collaborators. The system will enable the measurement of mechanical properties across a broad range of biological specimens including single cells, organoids, tissue sections, extracellular matrices, biomaterials and engineered tissues. The University requires an integrated platform capable of combining high-resolution nanoindentation with optical microscopy and environmental control to permit long-term measurements of live biological samples under physiologically relevant conditions. The instrument must also support high-throughput experimentation using standard multi-well plate formats to facilitate large-scale mechanobiology studies and drug screening. The system shall be supplied as a complete turnkey solution including the nanoindentation platform, integrated optical imaging system, environmental control module, acquisition and analysis software, computer workstation, installation, commissioning and user training. Particular emphasis will be placed on systems that provide high measurement sensitivity, broad mechanical measurement capability, compatibility with live-cell imaging workflows and the flexibility to support future research developments.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06de79
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075083-2026
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, 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
£349,900 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£349,900 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Aug 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
9 Sep 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Nov 2026 - 3 Nov 2026 30 days
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 SHEFFIELD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S10 2TN
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
TLE32 Sheffield

Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
Broomhill and Sharrow Vale
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

Further Information

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-06de79-2026-08-07T09:24:30+01:00",
    "date": "2026-08-07T09:24:30+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06de79",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PXDP-7327-GWHT",
            "name": "University of Sheffield",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PXDP-7327-GWHT"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Western Bank",
                "locality": "Sheffield",
                "postalCode": "S10 2TN",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKE32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "james.noble@sheffield.ac.uk",
                "telephone": "011422 20000"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PXDP-7327-GWHT",
        "name": "University of Sheffield"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "5085.SH.JN",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "5085.SH.JN - Advanced Nano-Mechanical Characterisation System with Integrated Fluorescence",
        "description": "The University of Sheffield, supported by the Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility (LMF), is seeking the supply, installation and commissioning of a high-throughput nanoindentation platform for the quantitative mechanical characterisation of biological samples and biomaterials. The instrument will provide a centrally managed research resource supporting investigators from across the Faculties of Health, Science and Engineering, together with external academic and industrial collaborators. The system will enable the measurement of mechanical properties across a broad range of biological specimens including single cells, organoids, tissue sections, extracellular matrices, biomaterials and engineered tissues. The University requires an integrated platform capable of combining high-resolution nanoindentation with optical microscopy and environmental control to permit long-term measurements of live biological samples under physiologically relevant conditions. The instrument must also support high-throughput experimentation using standard multi-well plate formats to facilitate large-scale mechanobiology studies and drug screening. The system shall be supplied as a complete turnkey solution including the nanoindentation platform, integrated optical imaging system, environmental control module, acquisition and analysis software, computer workstation, installation, commissioning and user training. Particular emphasis will be placed on systems that provide high measurement sensitivity, broad mechanical measurement capability, compatibility with live-cell imaging workflows and the flexibility to support future research developments.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "38000000",
                        "description": "Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKE32",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKE32",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKE32",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 349900,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/E2W9G9838Y",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-09T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-09T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-18T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 349900,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2026-11-03T23:59:59+00:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "075008-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075008-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-08-06T19:48:32+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "075010-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075010-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-08-06T20:24:11+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "075083-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075083-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-08-07T09:24:30+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}