Award

PURCHASE OF MACRO X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (MA-XRF) SYSTEM

  • The National Archives

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-071521

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05a95f (view related notices)

Published 6 November 2025, 10:35am



Scope

Description

The purpose of this Procurement Exercise is for:

An energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for reliable non-contact and non-destructive elemental analysis and mapping of heritage materials, with warranty as detailed in Section 3. The system should also function as a hand-held instrument and possess robust imaging capabilities, enabling comprehensive analysis and precise examination of materials.

The product(s) must come with user friendly software for measurement and data analysis (including all required licences, for up to 5 users) to control the system, to produce and manipulate images, and to analyse the data.

The Appointed Supplier must also:

deliver, set up, calibrate and test the system and software;

provide training to TNA staff in the use of the MA-XRF system and software within 2 months of delivery;

provide technical and/or remote support to TNA staff in the use of the MA-XRF and software for at least 5 years after delivery;

provide software upgrades for at least 3 years after purchase.


Contract 1

Supplier

Contract value

  • £168,678 excluding VAT
  • £202,413 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

4 November 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

6 November 2025

Standstill period

  • End: 17 November 2025
  • 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

28 November 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026
  • 4 months

Main procurement category

Goods

CPV classifications

  • 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)
  • UKD - North West (England)
  • UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
  • UKF - East Midlands (England)
  • UKG - West Midlands (England)
  • UKH - East of England
  • UKI - London
  • UKJ - South East (England)
  • UKK - South West (England)

Information about tenders

  • 1 tender received
  • 1 tender assessed in the final stage:
    • 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 1 supplier awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure


Supplier

BLUESCIENTIFIC LIMITED

  • Companies House: 08658405
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPJG-6397-YPBQ

St John's Innovation Centre, Cowley Road

Cambridge

CB4 0WS

United Kingdom

Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1


Contracting authority

The National Archives

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTBZ-4379-JQQX

Kew

Richmond

TW9 4DU

United Kingdom

Region: UKI75 - Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames

Organisation type: Public authority - central government