---
title: "Supply & Installation of a Thin Section Scanner (TSS)"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-d3fe2429-9672-4b36-bafb-26787a55d6f4"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-d3fe2429-9672-4b36-bafb-26787a55d6f4"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-d3fe2429-9672-4b36-bafb-26787a55d6f4.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-d3fe2429-9672-4b36-bafb-26787a55d6f4.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION"
published: "2024-11-13"
---

# Supply & Installation of a Thin Section Scanner (TSS)

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-d3fe2429-9672-4b36-bafb-26787a55d6f4

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## Summary

UK Research & Innovation has completed a procurement process for the supply and installation of a Thin Section Scanner (TSS). This tender, classified under "Instruments for checking physical characteristics" (CPV: 38400000), is aimed at fully digitalising geological thin sections with complex illumination requirements. The procurement followed an open procedure, and the contract, valued at £369,024, was awarded to MetPrep Ltd. The contract period is set from 20th November 2024 to 28th March 2025, with the project to be carried out in the East Midlands, United Kingdom. The initial tender period ended on 29th October 2024.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities, particularly for businesses specialising in high-precision scientific instruments and automated laboratory equipment. Companies with expertise in the digital capture of physical characteristics and those capable of delivering high-throughput, automated solutions are well-suited for such contracts. Although this specific opportunity has been awarded, similar future projects from UK Research & Innovation provide an excellent avenue for SMEs and highly specialised technological firms to expand their portfolio and engage in lucrative governmental contracts. The procurement does not favour SMEs or VCSEs, focusing instead on technical capability and delivery capacity.

## Notice

Supply & Installation of a thin section scanner for the full digital capture of geological thin sections using multiple illumination types (both transmitted and reflected light, polarised and cross polarised), capable of a high-throughput (tens of sections per day) with a multi-sample holder (at least 100 sections) with automated unsupervised operation.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3ded7105-cab6-4542-8592-dd339a9ec484 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 13 Nov 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 29 Oct 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 29 Oct 2024 |
| Contract period | 20 Nov 2024 - 28 Mar 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £369,024 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £369,024 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION |
| Locality | KEYWORTH |
| Post town | Nottingham |
| Postcode | NG12 5GG |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLF East Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire |
| ITL 3 | TLF16 South Nottinghamshire |
| Local authority | Rushcliffe |
| Electoral ward | Keyworth & Wolds |
| Westminster constituency | Rushcliffe |
| Delivery location | TLF East Midlands (England) |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | METPREP |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 38400000 - Instruments for checking physical characteristics

## Release History

- 13 Nov 2024 at 13:15 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3ded7105-cab6-4542-8592-dd339a9ec484

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3ded7105-cab6-4542-8592-dd339a9ec484
  13th November 2024 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/respondToList.html?noticeId=902577736
  Please follow this link to view the notice.

## Provenance

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