Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth, Devon
PL4 8AA
Contact
Kim Steer
Telephone
+44 01752588534
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKK41 - Plymouth
National registration number
1128013
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/university-structure/service-areas/procurement
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
XRF Instrument
Reference number
KS/UOP/XRF_Instrument/072/25
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 33111000 - X-ray devices
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Procurement and installation of a X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument for use across the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We require a high precision instrument capable of detailed analyses with low detection limits in complex samples and novel carbon capture detection.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £240,000
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33111400 - X-ray fluoroscopy devices
- 33111800 - Diagnostic X-ray system
- 38582000 - X-ray inspection equipment
- 38947000 - X-ray microanalysers
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK41 - Plymouth
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Procurement and installation of a X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument for use across the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We require a high precision instrument capable of detailed analyses with low detection limits in complex samples and novel carbon capture detection.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
This notice acknowledges that the University of Plymouth (UoP) proposes to award Malvern
Panalytical a contract to procure and install a Zetium X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument for highprecision, non-destructive analysis of solids and powders. The justification for this direct award is
based on the following key factors:
• The system was deemed the most advanced in terms of precision elemental analysis,
particularly for mineral and materials characterisation, as well as novel carbon capture
detection, which is not available in competing models.
• Seamless integration with existing infrastructure and training protocols:
o The Zetium requires minimal training for current users due to compatibility with the
university’s existing Malvern Panalytical XRF system, ensuring research continuity.
o The system will be installed in the existing facility without any major infrastructure
modifications, reducing costs and installation time.
• The Zentium will allow UoP to upcycle non-consumable components from its existing system,
including:
o Software & operating system
o Sample cups and chiller
o Compatibility with existing Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and calibration
standards
This reduces waste, lowers overall environmental impact, and ensures cost-effectiveness.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section five. Award of contract/concession
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
5 February 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
Malvern Panalytical Ltd
Malvern
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKG12 - Worcestershire
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £240,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This notice acknowledges that the University of Plymouth (UoP) proposes to award Malvern
Panalytical a contract to procure and install a Zetium X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument for highprecision, non-destructive analysis of solids and powders. The justification for this direct award is
based on the following key factors:
• The system was deemed the most advanced in terms of precision elemental analysis,
particularly for mineral and materials characterisation, as well as novel carbon capture
detection, which is not available in competing models.
• Seamless integration with existing infrastructure and training protocols:
o The Zetium requires minimal training for current users due to compatibility with the
university’s existing Malvern Panalytical XRF system, ensuring research continuity.
o The system will be installed in the existing facility without any major infrastructure
modifications, reducing costs and installation time.
• The Zentium will allow UoP to upcycle non-consumable components from its existing system,
including:
o Software & operating system
o Sample cups and chiller
o Compatibility with existing Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and calibration
standards
This reduces waste, lowers overall environmental impact, and ensures cost-effectiveness.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
University of Plymouth
Plymouth
Country
United Kingdom