Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
Heriot-Watt University
Moyen House, Research Park North, Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton, Edinburgh
EH14 4AP
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00307
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
Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector Arrays
Reference number
HWU/2001
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The University requires a 64-pixel superconducting nanowire single photon detector array operating at 1550nm housed in a custom, pulse-tube cryocooler with free-space access, and vacuum and remote control package. This is for the European Research Council (ERC) grant “PIQUaNT: Photonics for High-Dimensional Quantum Networking”.
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: 420,000 USN
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Main site or place of performance
Riccarton Campus
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The University requires a 64-pixel superconducting nanowire single photon detector array operating at 1550nm housed in a custom, pulse-tube cryocooler with free-space access, and vacuum and remote control package. Detector design and manufacturing will be subcontracted to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). System integration & electronics interfacing shall be performed by Photon Spot.
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: Yes
Identification of the project
ERC grant: PIQUaNT: Photonics for High-Dimensional Quantum Networking
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated without a prior call for competition
- The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
- absence of competition for technical reasons
Explanation:
Under Regulations 2015 33(1)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, a contracting authority may award a contract without competition based on the following justification:
(ii) competition is absent for technical reasons
Superconducting nanowire single photon detector arrays are currently not commercially available and have only been the subject of very recent research studies carried out by the subcontractors (JPL) involved. This in contrast with single superconducting nanowire detectors that are commercially available from a few providers on the market. This is related to several technical reasons such as the device architecture involved, array fabrication, free-space access, device testing capabilities, etc. As such, competition for the equipment being ordered is absent for technical reasons.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract/concession
Contract No
HWU/2001
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
26 March 2021
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
Photon Spot, Inc.
142 W Olive Ave
Monrovia, CA
91016
Country
United States
NUTS code
- US - United States
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: 420,000 USD
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The University is entering into a voluntary 10 day standstill commencing 1 April 2021.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=649158.
(SC Ref:649158)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Edinburgh Sheriff Court
27 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LB
Country
United Kingdom