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Manual RF cryogenic probe station with four RF probe arms and cryogen-free operation

NPL Management Limited

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

27 Oct 2026 at 10:31

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

27 Oct 2026 at 10:18

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited intends to buy a manual radio-frequency cryogenic probe station for its facility in Teddington. The system must have four installed RF probe arms and operate without liquid cryogens, using a closed-cycle refrigerator. It must reach a base temperature no higher than 5.5 K and allow temperature control from 6 K to 350 K. RF measurements must cover DC to 40 GHz using ground-signal-ground probes, and the station must accommodate samples at least two inches in diameter, with sample-stage vibration below one micrometre. The supply includes a turbomolecular pumping system, microscope with at least 12:1 zoom, probes and calibration substrate. The supplier is also expected to install and verify the equipment and train users.

This is at the planning stage: NPL has set out an intention to procure, but has not yet issued an invitation to tender. It plans to use an open procedure, with the next procurement notice expected on 4 January 2027. The stated contract period is 1 February 2027 to 1 February 2028. The estimated value is £310,000 excluding VAT (£372,000 including VAT). The procurement is organised as a single lot. NPL’s preliminary market engagement is intended to gauge supplier interest and inform its procurement strategy; expressions of interest for that engagement are expected by 13 November 2026. Participation costs are borne by suppliers, and responding to the engagement does not guarantee inclusion in the later procurement.

This will suit suppliers with experience supplying specialist cryogenic RF measurement equipment, particularly systems using closed-cycle refrigeration and multiple RF probe arms. Bidders should be able to provide the complete system and demonstrate that it meets the demanding temperature, frequency, sample-size and vibration requirements. The work also calls for the capability to install and verify laboratory equipment and train users, so suppliers able to support the equipment through commissioning and handover are well placed. The single-lot scope brings equipment, accessories and installation together in one supply. NPL has indicated that it wants suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to contribute to market engagement, helping shape a future-proofed procurement strategy and contract. Small and medium-sized businesses are identified as suitable to participate.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Manual RF cryogenic probe station with four RF probe arms and cryogen-free operation

Notice Description

NPL require a RF cryogenic probe station with four installed RF probe arms. The system must support cryogen-free operation using a closed cycle refrigerator. The base temperature must not exceed 5.5 K, and the temperature must be controllable from 6 K to 350 K. The system must support RF measurements from DC to 40 GHz using groundsignal- ground (GSG) probes. The system must accommodate samples with a diameter of at least 2 inches. Vibration at the sample stage must be less than 1 micrometre. The system must include all necessary components, including a turbomolecular pumping system, a microscope with a zoom ratio of at least 12:1, probes, and a calibration substrate. The supplier must install and verify the system and provide user training.

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. If you have any questions, or would like to register interest to the above, please emailetenders@npl.co.uk to request a Preliminary Market Engagement Supplier Questionnaire.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0790d7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/101383-2026
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

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

33141641 - Probes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£310,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£310,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Oct 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
4 Jan 20273 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 1 Feb 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
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
Postcode Area
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)

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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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