Scope
Reference
SC10850/25
Description
Total cost excluding VAT: £356,548.16
The equipment (Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240) that we are requesting will permit us to detect changes in multiple metabolic
pathways in a single analytical run as it combines the high mass resolution observed in 'multi-reflecting time of flight'
instruments with increased sensitivity giving the ability to detect and gain additional molecular information on high numbers of
metabolites present in low abundance as found in with 'triple quadrupole' instruments.
Importantly for us (Metabolic Tracer Analysis Core (MTAC)), the high mass resolution will also allow us to deconvolute
changes in mass due to incorporation of different stable isotopes (e.g.
15N, 13C, 2H), giving us the ability to examine nutrient use in more complex ways.
This model is the only such instrument - the 'Orbitrap' part of the mass spectrometer is what provides this capability highlighted
above, and Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited trading as Thermo Fisher Scientific hold the patent for this technology.
It includes nitrogen generator with high purity collision gas module, biocompatible liquid chromatography system, and full
system integration with proprietary Thermo software (including tracing analysis software), all required to maintain the scientific
edge of our metabolic research.
Contract 1. Supply and Installation of a HIGH RESOLUTION FOURIER TRANSFORM BENCH-TOP LIQUID CHROMATROGRAPHY-ORBITRAP MASS SPECTROMETER (THERMO ORBITRAP EXPLORIS 240) to the University of Birmingham University of Birmingham Project Reference: SC10850/25
Supplier
Contract value
- £356,548 excluding VAT
- £477,240 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
15 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 24 December 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
25 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 25 December 2025 to 27 March 2026
- 3 months, 3 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38433100 - Mass spectrometer
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Supplier
Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited
- Companies House: 441506
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQNM-6125-XPWL
3rd Floor, 1 Ashley Road
Altrincham
WA14 2DT
United Kingdom
Region: UKD34 - Greater Manchester South West
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Supply and Installation of a HIGH RESOLUTION FOURIER TRANSFORM BENCH-TOP LIQUID CHROMATROGRAPHY-ORBITRAP MASS SPECTROMETER (THERMO ORBITRAP EXPLORIS 240) to the University of Birmingham University of Birmingham Project Reference: SC10850/25
Contracting authority
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
- Companies House: RC000645
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCQ-3464-LVTM
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government