Planning

Research Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

  • Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2023/S 000-014492

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-03ce3a

Published 22 May 2023, 1:41pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Building 84, Stanton Avenue

Teddington

TW11 0JZ

Email

hanan.zakaria@beis.gov.uk

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UK - United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Ministry or any other national or federal authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Research Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 38511100 - Scanning electron microscopes

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) requires a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) capable of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), which would enable in-depth analysis and research into a wide variety of consumer and construction products across OPSS’ catalogue. This would help to identify potential mechanical, chemical, electrical, and flammability risks.

Any proposed SEM should be a high-resolution, floor-standing, environmental / variable pressure SEM, with an EDS detector as a minimum. As many of the products OPSS regulates are non-conductive, an environmental SEM is required, versatile enough to meet the organisation’s varied product portfolio. The supplier will also include training and 4 years’ servicing as part of the tender.

It is desirable, though not essential, that the proposed SEM include an Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector and a stand-alone optical microscope. Furthermore, some of OPSS’ work programmes may include nanoparticles, so a high-resolution system would be desirable. A specification detailing all essential and desirable requirements, will be included as part of the invitation to tender. Other additional components, software capabilities or add-ons that a supplier is able to provide as part of any offering, should be listed as part of the tender response.

Interested suppliers are invited to attend a supplier engagement session scheduled to take place on 5th June 2023 13:00 – 15:00 via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to attend, please register your interest using the contact details below. The event will provide more information about the opportunity and what we expect from suppliers. It will also give suppliers an opportunity to better understand what OPSS aims to achieve from the contract.

The event will last approximately 2 hours, comprising of:

• Overview of our requirements (including essential and desirable elements)

• Explanation of the tendering process

• Open floor question and answer session

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £480,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

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
  • UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) requires a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) capable of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), which would enable in-depth analysis and research into a wide variety of consumer and construction products across OPSS’ catalogue. This would help to identify potential mechanical, chemical, electrical, and flammability risks.

Any proposed SEM should be a high-resolution, floor-standing, environmental / variable pressure SEM, with an EDS detector as a minimum. As many of the products OPSS regulates are non-conductive, an environmental SEM is required, versatile enough to meet the organisation’s varied product portfolio. The supplier will also include training and 4 years’ servicing as part of the tender.

It is desirable, though not essential, that the proposed SEM include an Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector and a stand-alone optical microscope. Furthermore, some of OPSS’ work programmes may include nanoparticles, so a high-resolution system would be desirable. A specification detailing all essential and desirable requirements, will be included as part of the invitation to tender. Other additional components, software capabilities or add-ons that a supplier is able to provide as part of any offering, should be listed as part of the tender response.

Interested suppliers are invited to attend a supplier engagement session scheduled to take place on 5th June 2023 13:00 – 15:00 via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to attend, please register your interest using the contact details below. The event will provide more information about the opportunity and what we expect from suppliers. It will also give suppliers an opportunity to better understand what OPSS aims to achieve from the contract.

The event will last approximately 2 hours, comprising of:

• Overview of our requirements (including essential and desirable elements)

• Explanation of the tendering process

• Open floor question and answer session

To register your interest, please email hanan.zakaria@beis.gov.uk

two.2.14) Additional information

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) is part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

OPSS was created in January 2018 to deliver consumer protection and to support business confidence, productivity and growth. We regulate a wide range of products with a focus on their safety and integrity. We work with local, national and international regulators, with consumer representatives

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

22 May 2023


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes