Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
WESTERN BANK
SHEFFIELD
S102TN
Contact
David Middle
Telephone
+44 1142221560
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE32 - Sheffield
Charity Commission (England and Wales)
X1089
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/sheffield/aspx/Home
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned 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
Dual growth chamber Molecular Beam Epitaxy System
Reference number
4354/PIN/DM/24
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
This is a PIN notice for a procurement exercise, which is likely to be published by the University of Sheffield in early 2025:
The EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility (NEF) based at the University of Sheffield has been providing bespoke semiconductor wafers to academia and industry for 45 years. It is a unique world-class centre combining technical excellence and expertise with state-of-the-art epitaxy and material characterization equipment. We are looking to further enhance our capability provision to the UK semiconductor community, by investing in a new linked dual-chamber Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) System for arsenides/phosphides and arsenides/antimonides growth that is fully automated, capable of 24/7 operation, reliable, and resource-efficient allowing further expansion in the future.
NEF currently supplies epitaxy wafers to over 200 users across 28 UK Universities and industry to support UKRI grants worth over £150M. Our performance is governed by Key Performance Indicators agreed with the EPSRC and include reactor downtime. Therefore, reliability of the system is a key factor, and exemplary after sales service, equipment monitoring tools, and back-up systems are essential.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £5,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
The contracting authority reserves the right to award contracts combining the following lots or groups of lots:
The final number of lots is currently unknown, but it is envisaged that the MBE System will be divided into lots. Suppliers will be able to bid for single, multiple or all lots.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
To be confirmed within the eventual tender exercise
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE3 - South Yorkshire
Main site or place of performance
The EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility (NEF) based at the University of Sheffield
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The System must comprise of:
1. Two vacuum-linked growth chambers with high capacity sources and high speed pumping arrangements suitable for the production of arsenide/phosphide and arsenide/antimonide materials of the highest purity.
2. Dedicated sample preparation chamber for cleaning and oxide desorption using gas sources.
3. A separate outgassing and surface analysis chamber with an Auger Electron Spectroscopy tool.
4. Two sample entry locks, and two storage chambers.
5. Robust automated transfer system connecting entry locks, surface preparation and analysis chambers, storage chambers, and growth chambers with space for further expansion.
6. Reliable automation and control software that allows for the two growth chambers to be operated independently.
7. Low temperature (down to cryogenic) metals deposition capability (either within one of the two arsenide growth chambers or separate), and should ideally fit in a 7.2m by 4.5m footprint (excluding peripheral equipment, such as electrical racks, cryopumps and compressors, PCs, etc.).
It would be advantageous for the System to have the following additional capabilities:
a. integrated vacuum suitcase technology compatible with other UK facilities to allow transport of samples under vacuum in and out of the system.
b. integrated solutions allowing maintenance of critical components without breaking chamber vacuum
real-time data management suitable for machine learning and auto-correction of growth conditions.
We will be looking for a System with:
i. resource-efficient equipment, such as low liquid nitrogen consumption
ii. exemplary after-sales service
iii. advanced equipment monitoring and notification systems, such as power/water/vacuum loss
iv. robust back-up systems for essential supplies, such as power/water.
two.2.14) Additional information
Market Engagement: We welcome site visits or virtual meetings from potential suppliers to discuss the System requirements during the period 18th November - 6th December 2024. Meetings and site visits must be arranged no later than 29th November. Subject to successful funding of the System, we expect the tender to be published in January 2025.
The value entered at the top of this notice at I.1 was £5,000,000, however the overall range we are considering for the budget is +/- £1m of this figure, depending on any additional features chosen.
Format: individual meetings, either on-site or virtual.
Contact to arrange meetings:
Dr Zofia Bishop by email: z.k.bishop@sheffield.ac.uk
Address for site visits:
Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
To be confirmed within the eventual tender exercise
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE3 - South Yorkshire
Main site or place of performance
See details provided against the entry for Lot 1
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
See details provided against the entry for Lot 1
two.2.14) Additional information
See details provided against the entry for Lot 1
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
31 January 2025
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