Scope
Reference
24-SJM-343
Description
The University of Portsmouth confirms it has contracted for the supply of a pre-owned dual-beam path MC-ICPMS (Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer). This includes Supply, Delivery, Installation and warranty.
The Total value of this contract is £490,000 ex vat.
Contract 1. MC-ICPMS (Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Supplier
Contract value
- £490,000 excluding VAT
- £588,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
13 January 2026
Contract dates
- 13 January 2026 to 13 January 2029
- 3 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38433100 - Mass spectrometer
Contract locations
- UKJ31 - Portsmouth
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
N/A Acceptance Testing required. Agreed Service plan and Warranty cover in place.
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Switching to direct award
The procurement needed a high specification ICP-MS but the University had a very limited budget.
In accordance with UK procurement regulations, the University issued a UK2 on 1st December 2025. This Preliminary Market Engagement notice was used to assess market availability and determine whether any suitable/used instruments meeting the required technical specifications were available within the allocated budget. Following this engagement, the University received a single expression of interest from Nu Instruments, who confirmed their ability to meet the specification within the available budget.
The instrument meet the Universities requirements and will be utilised for high-precision isotopic analysis of Hf, U-Pb, U-series, Sr, Pb, and Nd in geological samples. It must support both dry plasma and laser ablation sample introduction methods and will primarily be applied to geological and materials science research. The system will be integrated with the University's existing 193 nm and femtosecond laser systems.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
Dual beam path enabling bypass of the collision cell when not required.
Daly detectors providing wide dynamic range for mixed isotope systems.
Upgrade pathway for fast ion counters to enable single-shot analysis when available.
Includes a manufacturer warranty of 36 months
PA23 UK5 Notice and UK 6 Notices published on 19th December 2025
Associated people/organisations:
Ametek GB (Ltd) is the Parent company of Nu Instruments Ltd.
The contract is placed with Nu Instruments Ltd
Supplier
AMETEK (GB) LIMITED
- Companies House: 02569386
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNPL-2282-WRQP
2 New Star Road
Leicester
LE4 9JD
United Kingdom
Email: ametekgb.service@ametek.com
Website: http://www.ametek.co.uk/
Region: UKF21 - Leicester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. MC-ICPMS (Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Contracting authority
University of Portsmouth Higher Education Corporation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWYV-2655-NPMQ
University House
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@port.ac.uk
Website: http://www.port.ac.uk/
Region: UKJ31 - Portsmouth
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government