Tender

Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of Lapping and Polishing Equipment

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

06 Feb 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Strathclyde invites suppliers to participate in an open procurement for the "Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of Lapping and Polishing Equipment" dedicated to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) located in Glasgow. This tender falls under the education sector and is categorised as goods procurement. The process is currently at the tender stage with an electronic submission deadline on 19 February 2026 at 12:00 PM. The contract value is estimated at £70,000, and the procurement follows an open procedure method, with electronic submissions required via the specified online portal.

This tender presents a viable opportunity for businesses specialising in the manufacture and supply of industrial grinding and polishing equipment, particularly those experienced in handling large metallic samples. Companies with innovative solutions and a proven track record of delivering high-quality equipment will have a competitive edge. Additionally, suppliers that can demonstrate experience in the educational or research sectors, alongside strong turnover and insurance qualifications, are well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity to partner with a prestigious educational institution like the University of Strathclyde, fostering potential long-term growth and visibility within the academic research community.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of Lapping and Polishing Equipment

Notice Description

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) Materials Team requires to purchase lapping and polishing equipment for use on-site at the AFRC. The lapping process will be used to prepare large metallic samples for optical microscopy. AFRC is looking to appoint a supplier to provide a suitable piece of equipment for grinding and polishing very large metallic samples, so that they can be etched, then inspected using optical microscopy.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) Materials Team requires to purchase lapping and polishing equipment for use on-site at the AFRC. The lapping process will be used to prepare large metallic samples for optical microscopy. AFRC is looking to appoint a supplier to provide a suitable piece of equipment for grinding and polishing very large metallic samples, so that they can be etched, then inspected using optical microscopy. These large metallic samples will be produced more and more frequently through testing on the AFRC's Future Forge platform. An important part of the value of this platform is the ability to inspect the effect of different forging process on the microstructure on metallic alloys. To inspect the microstructures, samples must be ground and polished, so this capability is an essential compliment to the Future Forge. It is not possible to grind and polish the very large samples produced by future forge using the existing standard metallographic preparation equipment at the AFRC.. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 8 and 9 of the Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016.

Options: In line with Regulation 72 - Modification of Contracts During their Term - of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, this Contract may be modified without a new procurement procedure in accordance with that Regulation in some cases. Modifications may be made irrespective of value, including where modifications exceed 50% of the initial Contract value or arise due to unforeseen circumstances, provided they comply with Regulation 72 and do not alter the overall nature of the Contract.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000822377
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB548962
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
PCS Notice - Website 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

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


CPV Codes

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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£70,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
19 Feb 20262 weeks to go
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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Contact Name
Nicholas Nixon
Contact Email
nicholas.nixon@strath.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1415524400

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G1 1XU
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North East

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB548962
    Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of Lapping and Polishing Equipment - The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) Materials Team requires to purchase lapping and polishing equipment for use on-site at the AFRC. The lapping process will be used to prepare large metallic samples for optical microscopy. AFRC is looking to appoint a supplier to provide a suitable piece of equipment for grinding and polishing very large metallic samples, so that they can be etched, then inspected using optical microscopy.

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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