---
title: "CEFAS24-89 RFQ for an Automatic Cutting Machine"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "CEFAS"
published: "2024-07-08"
---

# CEFAS24-89 RFQ for an Automatic Cutting Machine

Buyer: CEFAS  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737

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## Summary

The procurement process involves Cefas issuing a tender for an Automatic Cutting Machine. Cefas, based in Lowestoft, United Kingdom, specifies a requirement for a cutting machine to process over 60k otoliths annually. The procurement falls under the industry category of Laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. The tender deadline is 22nd July 2024, with a contract period starting on 9th August 2024 and ending on 8th August 2025. The procurement method is an open procedure below the threshold, valued at £35,000.

This tender presents an opportunity for businesses in the goods sector, especially those with expertise in precision equipment. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly well-suited to compete. Businesses able to deliver top-quality cutting machines with precision accuracy are encouraged to participate. Cefas requires the machine to replicate cutting movements for different species globally and to innovate cutting methods. Those offering versatile solutions that meet the outlined requirements have the potential to secure a contract and support Cefas in their research and development activities.

## Notice

Cefas require a cutting machine to compliment a suite of cutting machines that contribute to the processing of over 60k otoliths annually. This machine will be mainly used for the sectioning of gadoid species sagittal otoliths embedded in epoxy resin. Due to the mean size of these otoliths Cefas uses a specialised mould different from other species, requiring a machine with increased table movement to capture all of the mould rows in use. Cefas requires any new machine to be versatile in the workpiece clamping/holding setup as occasionally other biological material will be sectioned dependant on active projects at the time. Scope of Requirements: Cefas require a cutting machine that will produce top quality samples with precision accuracy. In order to reproduce the surface quality of otolith sections Cefas need to be able to replicate the cutting movement of the previous machine, therefore X, Y & Z-axis movement is necessary. Cefas are required to prepare samples from an expanding range of species from around the world. It is a requirement to develop new and innovative cutting methods in addition, to replicate protocols that are already in use by other institutes. These methods will enable Cefas to meet age determination validation requirements by producing clean, well defined annuli on sections which increases accuracy of reading for in-house readers and external QC partners. It is essential that the machine accommodates compatible discs that offer a high quality cut and that these discs are readily available.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b04bef4d-6978-45de-9495-111a37e42554 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 8 Jul 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 22 Jul 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 8 Aug 2024 - 8 Aug 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £35,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | CEFAS |
| Locality | LOWESTOFT |
| Post town | Norwich |
| Postcode | NR33 0HT |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH6 Suffolk |
| ITL 3 | TLH63 East Suffolk |
| Local authority | East Suffolk |
| Electoral ward | Kirkley & Pakefield |
| Westminster constituency | Lowestoft |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

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

## Release History

- 8 Jul 2024 at 10:05 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b04bef4d-6978-45de-9495-111a37e42554

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b04bef4d-6978-45de-9495-111a37e42554
  8th July 2024 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-6c1a8f4e-e18c-4eee-b287-5b3d910b4737.json.