Tender

Purchase of Closed-Cycle Helium Cryogenic System

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

23 Jan 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

Heriot-Watt University is currently at the tender stage of a procurement process, inviting suppliers to submit electronic bids by 23rd February 2026, 12:00 PM. The tender involves supplying, delivering, and installing a closed-cycle helium cryogenic system for quantum-optics experiments at its Edinburgh campus. This procurement falls under the education sector, with a specific focus on quantum technologies and optics, and has an estimated contract value of £220,000. The procurement method being used is an open procedure, indicating a broad opportunity for qualified businesses across the UK to participate in this project.

This tender offers a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in cryogenics, quantum optics, and related technologies to expand their portfolio and work with a renowned institution. Companies with a track record in supplying high-precision scientific equipment, especially those capable of meeting the technical specifications and financial criteria, including an annual turnover of at least £440,000, are well-suited to compete. Providing technical excellence and competitive pricing could secure a partnership with Heriot-Watt University, facilitating business growth and industry recognition. Additionally, the requirement for robust insurance coverage underscores the need for contractors experienced in complex equipment installations.

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Notice Title

Purchase of Closed-Cycle Helium Cryogenic System

Notice Description

The University is seeking a contractor to supply, deliver and install a closed-cycle helium cryogenic system for quantum-optics experiments,

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University is seeking a contractor to supply, deliver and install a closed-cycle helium cryogenic system for quantum-optics experiments capable of cooling small semiconductor chips to a temperature of 4K, which are mounted with on-chip optical and electrical connections. The chips should be optically addressable using a low working distance objective. The system will be used for a range of experiments in quantum optics and quantum technologies, with particular focus on characterising devices in silicon carbide where solid-state defect spins are coupled to optomechanical microcavities. The system will be situated in an optics lab at the University's Edinburgh campus

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000821492
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN547880
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

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


CPV Codes

31000000 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£220,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
23 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Richard Kinghorn
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

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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