Award

Cryostat VEAT Notice

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has completed the award stage for the procurement of a cryostat, which falls under the industry category of goods, specifically within the educational sector. The procurement method used was limited, justified by the belief that only one supplier could meet the unique technical requirements. The process concluded on the 14th of July 2025, following comprehensive market engagement that showed a lack of viable competition. Located in Edinburgh, the University opted for a direct award to Green Resource Engineering Ltd, with a contract valued at £200,000. The contract details specify the delivery to the University's premises, with the main legal basis of procurement identified as CELEX 32014L0024. The procurement falls under the CPV classification 38000000, covering laboratory, optical and precision equipments (except glasses). The supplier was Green Resource Engineering Ltd based in Willand, representing an SME in the engineering sector.

This procurement presents significant business opportunities for suppliers capable of delivering specialised technical equipment that meets rigorous specifications. Companies in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, especially those focused on innovative thermal management and scientific instrumentation, would find this type of procurement advantageous for showcasing their capabilities and entering into direct contracts with prestigious academic institutions. This scenario emphasises the importance of proactive engagement and unique expertise in securing similar future contracts where single-source justification is applied, reinforcing the position of niche suppliers in the competitive landscape. For SMEs, demonstrating specialised capabilities and the willingness to engage with detailed technical criteria is crucial for securing such high-value contracts.

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Notice Title

Cryostat VEAT Notice

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh is seeking to award a contract for the purchase of a cryostat matching without a tender process due to the belief that there is only one supplier who can meet our requirements. Please see below for specifications.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University of Edinburgh is seeking to award a contract for the purchase of a cryostat matching without a tender process due to the belief that there is only one supplier who can meet our requirements as follows: 1. Cryostat sample space: 50 cm diameter and 50 cm height. 2. Temperature: The sample space temperature can vary from <25 K to room temperature, and an even temperature distribution is expected in the sample space. 3. Cooling method: Cryogen cooling (e.g., using liquid nitrogen) and conduction cooling are both applicable. For conduction cooling, the sample can be bound to the sample container (such as a heat exchanger) or cold head. 4. Current/voltage terminals: 6 terminals to carry current >1000 A and voltage >1000 V. 5. Temperature sensors: 16 temperature sensors for testing samples in addition to the temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature distribution in the cryostat. The temperature sensors shall exhibit robustness, accuracy, and sensitivity equivalent to those of the TVO sensors. 6. Controlled heater: >500 W power is preferred, and the control temperature can vary from <25 K to room temperature. 7. Cooling time: to be within 36 hours from room temperature to <25 K. 8. Signal connectors: 4+ multi-pin low-voltage Fischer connectors (>24 pins) are required for measuring voltage/current/temperature/magnetic flux signals. 4x Optic fibre connectors are optional. 9. Ensure the feedthroughs can be safely connected to the external power supply using a certified, professionally controlled method. Final VAT-exclusive budget: GBP 200k.

Procurement Information

After comprehensive market engagement competition is absent for technical reasons. No reasonable alternative or substitute exists and the absence of competition is not the result of an artificial narrowing down of the parameters of the procurement. Multiple suppliers have been engaged to see if they are able to meet the required specifications and only the nominated supplier have replied proactively. This notice is the final piece of due diligence prior to the award of the contract. Should a supplier detail their ability to meet the requirements, then the award will be halted.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000804271
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL534626
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F15 - Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency 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
£200,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 Jul 20257 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
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
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
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

GREEN RESOURCE ENGINEERING LTD (T/AS GRE

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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