--- title: "Spectrophotometer Apparatus" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-068605" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-068605" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068605.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068605.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED" published: "2026-04-20" --- # Spectrophotometer Apparatus Buyer: NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-068605 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-068605) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068605.json) ## Summary NPL Management Limited, located at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, United Kingdom, is in the planning stage of a procurement process seeking suppliers for spectrophotometer apparatus capable of diffuse reflection measurements in UV/Vis/NIR wavelengths. This procurement falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, and is classified as a public undertaking. The procurement process is currently focused on Preliminary Market Engagement, scheduled to end on 30 April 2026, where interested suppliers are asked to register their interest to help NPL understand market reactions and future possibilities without obligation. A detailed Tender Notice will follow this engagement to specify submission timelines and access to procurement documentation. This tender presents growth opportunities for businesses specialising in advanced laboratory equipment and optical technologies. Suppliers with capabilities to provide spectrophotometers that meet international standards and offer precise reflection measurements will find this project beneficial. Particularly, businesses that can offer innovative features such as custom measurement scripting, automated sample changing, and adaptable sample mounting variations will be well-suited to compete. With the planned contract starting from 28 September 2026 and potentially extending to 2028, there is scope for long-term collaboration, providing substantial prospects for companies that can display competency in cutting-edge spectrophotometer technology. ## Notice NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers who can supply a spectrophotometer apparatus which can perform diffuse reflection measurements in UV/Vis/NIR wavelengths. UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer, for diffuse reflection measurement. To include di (direct inclusive), de (direct exclusive) 0: 8 degrees and 0:45 degrees measurement geometries. Mandatory requirements: * Equipment must be compliant with all international standards: CE, UKCA etc. * Wavelength required: 200 nm to 2500 nm (optional up to 3300 nm) * Measurement geometries required: 0:8 degrees, 0:45 degrees, multi angle measuring * Data output: the raw uncorrected data needs to be accessible in a readable form compatible with our existing systems (for example txt, csv, Excel) * To measure sample of sizes 25 mm diameter to 100 mm diameter Other optional requirements: * The ability to program and save custom measurement sequence scripts * Ability to perform measurements in different positions on the sample * Horizontal and vertical sample mounting possible * Multiple sample accessory for automated sample changing. * To measure larger samples up to 460 mm x 460 mm. Information required: * A lab visit to demonstrate the equipment and software is preferred. * Give information on possible add on modules / options for the instrument * Give details of software and data output formats (ability to modify software) * Practical evidence that the dark signal is consistent across all ranges and detectors especially at low signal levels. ### Planning Information Prior to initiating the procurement, NPL wishes to establish the level of market interest in the forthcoming procurement process. Suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who may have an interest in this project are invited to register for this Preliminary Market Engagement. The purpose of the market engagement is to help assess the reaction of the market, to understand risks and future possibilities to ensure a future proofed procurement strategy and resulting contract. Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and NPL. Nor does the receipt of a response automatically include the respondent in the procurement process. A Tender Notice will be issued to the market which will provide details of how the relating procurement documentation can be accessed and timescales for submission of the said tender response. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participation in this Market Engagement of whatever nature. NPL shall not be liable for the costs, expenses or losses howsoever arising (including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss incurred), regardless of the outcome of the Market Engagement. The next stage in the process will be considered once this exercise has been completed. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035504-2026 | | Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 20 Apr 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 30 Apr 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 27 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2027 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planning | | Lots status | Planning | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED | | Locality | TEDDINGTON | | Post town | Twickenham | | Postcode | TW11 0LW | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLI London | | ITL 2 | TLI7 Outer London - West and North West | | ITL 3 | TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames | | Local authority | Richmond upon Thames | | Electoral ward | Teddington | | Westminster constituency | Twickenham | | 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 - 20 Apr 2026 at 09:47 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035504-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035504-2026 20th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - http://www.npl.co.uk - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-h6vhtk-068605. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068605.json.