---
title: "1D Measurement Beam"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED"
published: "2026-06-02"
---

# 1D Measurement Beam

Buyer: NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2

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## Summary

NPL Management Limited is planning the procurement of a 1D Measurement Beam system, intended to enhance high-accuracy co-ordinate measurement processes. The procurement, initiated through a selective method known as a competitive flexible procedure, targets the laboratory, optical, and precision equipment industry. The process, currently in the planning stage as of 2nd June 2026, involves milestones such as an upcoming expression of interest deadline on 7th August 2026 and an enquiry period ending on 27th July 2026. Located at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, this initiative seeks to engage suppliers capable of delivering an integrated motion stage system, adhering to the UKCA or CE compliance requirements.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, especially those specialising in precision equipment and innovative motion stage systems. Companies able to deliver high-precision technology, such as integrated motion axes and low-noise systems, will find this tender particularly suitable. The involvement of SMEs and VCSEs is encouraged, ensuring diverse participation. By engaging in this tender, businesses can explore new technological solutions aligned with NPL's requirements, fostering industry innovation and enlarging their procurement portfolios. Key competencies include advanced engineering in motion systems and capability to develop systems controllable via LabVIEW software, creating avenues for technological collaboration and development.

## Notice

National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is seeking a motion stage system with 2 carriages integrated into a single beam of low CTE stable material similar to those used in high accuracy co-ordinate measurement machines, either Granite or Silicon Carbide. The design and development of the system is expected to follow a standard development lifecycle with a design review with NPL present to ensure the system will match the requirements and can be integrated into the wider system. The supplier will provide a copy of the relevant technical file for the solution in line with the appropriate legal requirements to be UKCA or CE compliant. NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers who have capability to provide a solution to the following requirements: * An integrated slide/Motion axis/Motion Stage on a structural beam with appropriate mounting arrangements. * A very stable slide or motion axis with in-position noise levels of 1 nanometre rms. * slide should have pitch and yaw errors of maximum 50+/- microradians. * There should be 2 carriages on the motion stage/slide, each having an operating envelope of 2300 mm or more. * The carriages should be controlled to an incremental motion of 1 micron or less, with an integrated linear encoder to detect position into the nanometer scale. * The carriages are expected to carry a payload of 10 kgs. * All cable management should be integrated into the solution with the ability to add up to 4 additional signal cables. * The carriages will move at low speeds in the range of 1 micron to 25mm per second and accelerations of at least 1 m/s2 * The slide to include an inbuilt linear encoder with a 1 nanometre resolution. * The controller for the system should be provided with an interface be controlled via LabVIEW software. This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow on ITT.

### 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.
If you have any questions, or would like to provide a response to the above, please email etenders@npl.co.uk to request a Preliminary Market Engagement Supplier Questionnaire "FOR RESPONSES" excel spreadsheet.
Please return all responses by 17.00, Monday 27th April 2026

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051962-2026 |
| Notice type | UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 2 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 27 Jul 2026 |
| Future notice date | 13 Jul 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 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 | Planned |
| Lots status | Planned |
| 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

- 2 Jun 2026 at 14:01 - Planning - UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051962-2026
- 30 Apr 2026 at 09:23 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039680-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051962-2026
  2nd June 2026 - Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039680-2026
  30th 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-068ee2. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068ee2.json.