Award

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Summary of the contracting process

Heriot-Watt University, based in Riccarton, Edinburgh, under UKM75 region, has completed the procurement process for purchasing a High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier. The procurement process included a contract award notice dated 25th March 2025, following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice on the same date. The procurement method utilised was a limited procurement without prior publication, due to the unique technical requirements of the equipment needed for the University's research activities. The total value of the contract signed with Photonic Solutions Ltd is GBP 379,428, with the delivery location specified as Heriot-Watt University's Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh (EH14 4AS). This project falls under the Education industry category and the main procurement category being goods.

This tender represents a substantial opportunity for growth, particularly within the academic and high-tech research sectors. Businesses specialising in advanced laser systems, particularly those with the capability to deliver highly specialised technical equipment, are well-positioned to benefit from similar opportunities. SMEs with innovation in photonics and laser technologies can find significant prospects within such specialised procurement processes, assuming they meet the stringent technical criteria. The award to Photonic Solutions Ltd, an SME, highlights the potential for smaller businesses to secure high-value contracts provided they can meet the unique technical requirements. The contract facilitates advancements in research at Heriot-Watt University, opening further avenues for business collaboration and future procurement opportunities.

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Notice Title

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier

Notice Description

Purchase of High Energy Ultrafast Laser System with Optical Parametric Amplifier for research purposes

Lot Information

Lot 1

Following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice (VEAT) 794340 on the 25th March 2025. This is a contract award notice indicating that Heriot-Watt University is now in contract with Photonic Solutions for the purchase of the following equipment: Light Conversion industrial femtosecond laser system; integrated pulse picker, power supply and chiller; Max output power 20 W at 4 - 200 kHz, Tunable pulse duration <250 fs - 10 ps, Max. pulse energy >5 mJ at 1-4 kHz; Includes repetition-rate extension up to 1MHz. "CEP Ready" future-proof upgrade to the Laser amplifier to allow for future stabilisation of the carrier-envelope phase. Light Conversion Next-Generation Optical Parametric Amplifier - Continuous power monitoring and diagnostics, Up to 20 W, 5mJ pump, Fully integrated wavelength extensions, output stability Tuning Range: Signal: 1400-2000nm Idler: 2100-4200nm Following market research carried out by the academic research team, there are no other suppliers available in the market to supply this type of equipment in the form factor required. The principal purpose of the contract is to acquire goods in connection with research undertaken by the University.

Procurement Information

Following the publication of a voluntary ex ante transparency notice (VEAT) 794340 on the 25th March 2025. This is a contract award notice indicating that Heriot-Watt University is now in contract with Photonic Solutions for the purchase of the following equipment: Light Conversion industrial femtosecond laser system; integrated pulse picker, power supply and chiller; Max output power 20 W at 4 - 200 kHz, Tunable pulse duration <250 fs - 10 ps, Max. pulse energy >5 mJ at 1-4 kHz; Includes repetition-rate extension up to 1MHz. "CEP Ready" future-proof upgrade to the Laser amplifier to allow for future stabilisation of the carrier-envelope phase. Light Conversion Next-Generation Optical Parametric Amplifier - Continuous power monitoring and diagnostics, Up to 20 W, 5mJ pump, Fully integrated wavelength extensions, output stability Tuning Range: Signal: 1400-2000nm Idler: 2100-4200nm Following market research carried out by the academic research team, there are no other suppliers available in the market to supply this type of equipment in the form factor required. The principal purpose of the contract is to acquire goods in connection with research undertaken by the University.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000794340
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=APR527662
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£379,428 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Apr 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Mar 202511 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
RichardKinghorn
Contact Email
r.g.kinghorn@hw.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1314513704

Buyer Location

Locality
RICCARTON, EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH14 4AP
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Pentland Hills
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh South West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PHOTONIC SOLUTIONS

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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