Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road
Manchester
M20 4BX
Contact
Mr Chris Robson
Telephone
+44 1614468531
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Proton range verification detectors
Reference number
DN591219
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 38431000 - Detection apparatus
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The PRECISE proton therapy research group at the University of Manchester and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust is developing a system to verify range during proton beam therapy treatments. Range uncertainty is arguably one of the biggest challenges in proton therapy. Range uncertainty arises from a number of sources: imaging, dosimetry, stopping powers, however, the largest uncertainty is always the patient. Patient setup, highly heterogeneous tissue, implants, or bone/tissue interfaces as well as anatomical changes during treatment can all influence proton range and thus, treatment outcomes. The full potential of proton beam therapy, particularly when there are organs-at-risk in the vicinity of the tumour, cannot be exploited unless these uncertainties are reduced or mitigated.
One possible method of determining proton range is through the detection of the prompt gamma-rays that are emitted naturally during therapy. It has been shown experimentally that the maximum intensity of these prompt gamma rays correlates well with the Bragg peak and end-of-range. By detecting these prompt gamma-rays and determining their origin the proton beam range could be established.
The system being developed is based on an array of scintillator detectors coupled with an image reconstruction algorithm based on gamma-ray coincidences. The detectors of choice are LaBr3 scintillators which exhibit good energy and timing resolution for the detection of the high energy gamma-rays emitted. The typical gamma-ray energy range of interest is 2 – 8 MeV so large crystal, 38.1 mm (1.5”) diameter and 50.8 mm (2”) long, detectors are required in order to obtain full energy photo peaks. As the reconstruction algorithm utilises gamma-ray coincidences, the detectors need to have an energy resolution of 3.5% or less at 662 keV and a coincidence resolving time of 0.5 ns or less. Ideally we are also looking for the detectors to have an anode pulse rise time of 0.8 ns or less and an electron transit time of 16 ns or less.
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: £120,290
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38431000 - Detection apparatus
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The PRECISE proton therapy research group at the University of Manchester and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust is developing a system to verify range during proton beam therapy treatments. Range uncertainty is arguably one of the biggest challenges in proton therapy. Range uncertainty arises from a number of sources: imaging, dosimetry, stopping powers, however, the largest uncertainty is always the patient. Patient setup, highly heterogeneous tissue, implants, or bone/tissue interfaces as well as anatomical changes during treatment can all influence proton range and thus, treatment outcomes. The full potential of proton beam therapy, particularly when there are organs-at-risk in the vicinity of the tumour, cannot be exploited unless these uncertainties are reduced or mitigated.
One possible method of determining proton range is through the detection of the prompt gamma-rays that are emitted naturally during therapy. It has been shown experimentally that the maximum intensity of these prompt gamma rays correlates well with the Bragg peak and end-of-range. By detecting these prompt gamma-rays and determining their origin the proton beam range could be established.
The system being developed is based on an array of scintillator detectors coupled with an image reconstruction algorithm based on gamma-ray coincidences. The detectors of choice are LaBr3 scintillators which exhibit good energy and timing resolution for the detection of the high energy gamma-rays emitted. The typical gamma-ray energy range of interest is 2 – 8 MeV so large crystal, 38.1 mm (1.5”) diameter and 50.8 mm (2”) long, detectors are required in order to obtain full energy photo peaks. As the reconstruction algorithm utilises gamma-ray coincidences, the detectors need to have an energy resolution of 3.5% or less at 662 keV and a coincidence resolving time of 0.5 ns or less. Ideally we are also looking for the detectors to have an anode pulse rise time of 0.8 ns or less and an electron transit time of 16 ns or less.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 70
Cost criterion - Name: Cost / Weighting: 30
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
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2022/S 000-001865
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
1
Lot No
1
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
24 May 2022
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 2
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Mi-Net Technology Ltt
30 Summerleaze Road
Maidenhead
SL6 8EN
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £120,290
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester
Country
United Kingdom