Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
University of Exeter
Northcote House
Exeter
EX4 4QH
Contact
Jill Callicott
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKK4 - Devon
National registration number
RC000653
Internet address(es)
Main address
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
ADM Camera
Reference number
UOE-2022-032-JC
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 31682210 - Instrumentation and control equipment
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The University intends to purchase two fast ultra-low noise cameras based on the e-APD SAPHIRA which offers 320x256 pixels and enables noise-free multiplication gain and non-destructive readout abilities at wavelengths between 1 and 2.5 micrometer technology for use in astronomical observations.
The university also intends to intend to upgrade the existing CR1-2016-002 camera.
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: 700,000 EUR
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK4 - Devon
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The delivery requirements of both the upgraded and new cameras are
The University intends to purchase two fast ultra-low noise cameras based on the e-APD SAPHIRA which offers 320x256 pixels and enables noise-free multiplication gain and non-destructive readout abilities at wavelengths between 1 and 2.5 micrometer technology for use in astronomical observations.
Specification:-
1. The cameras must use the Leonardo SAPHIRA sensor (Mark 20 or newer; with ME1001 ROIC) based on the electron-avalanche photodiode technique with pixel formats of 256x320 pixel and electronics with 16 bit quantization
2. The cameras must have a quantum efficiency > 60% in the near-infrared wavelength regime between 1.0 and 1.75 micrometer. A set of filters (HKHK band filters or customer-agreed alternatives) shall provide efficient long-wavelength suppression.
3. The cameras must support full-frame read-out rates up to 3500 Hz, with the possibility to read at least 3 sub-windows at higher frame rate
4. The cameras must use pulse tube cooling to reach an operational temperature <=90 K.
5. The electronics as well as the software must support multiple readout modes, including single read, CDS, multiple non-destructive reads, and Fowler sampling ("IOTA" mode).
6. The cameras shall feature a readout noise <1 e-/pix, measured at gain=50 at the highest frame rate and when looking at a cold stop (blackbody at temperature 90K).
7. The cameras need to be connected to an ion pump and a vacuum pump to maintain vacuum. Such a systems has been developed for the existing camera and must be compatible with any new purchase.
8. The baffle (nose) of the cameras needs to be designed to minimise thermal background, to avoid vignetting with our optics, so they can be connected to a cryostat. We have already developed and designed a baffle and any new solution would need to be compatible with the existing camera.
9. The new cameras will use the same software development kit (SDK) as our existing camera
The university also intends to intend to upgrade the existing CR1-2016-002 camera.
The scope includes the following:-
1. Changing of Saphira e-APD detector with the ME1001 ROIC having lower dark, new version of the camera with low dark optimization.
2. Upgrade of the electronics power board to remove the BIAS oscillation
3. New version of the camera with low dark optimization.·
4. Reduction of the camera focal plane vibrations below 1 μm RMS ·
5. Tests and characterisation
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price
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
Grant Agreement number: 101003096 – GAIA-BIFROST - ERC-2020-COG
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:
Absence of competition 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
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
1 July 2022
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
FIRST LIGHT IMAGING SAS
13590 MEYREUIL
Country
France
NUTS code
- FR - France
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: 700,000 EUR
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Royal Courts of Justice
London
Country
United Kingdom