Scope
Reference
24-SJM-343
Description
The University hereby gives notice of its intention to award a contract to Nu Instruments for the supply of a pre-owned dual-beam path MC-ICPMS (Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer).
In accordance with UK procurement regulations, the University issued a UK2 Preliminary Market Engagement notice to assess market availability and determine whether any suitable used instruments meeting the required technical specifications were available within the allocated budget. Following this engagement, the University received a single expression of interest from Nu Instruments, who confirmed their ability to meet the specification within the available budget.
The instrument will be utilised for high-precision isotopic analysis of Hf, U-Pb, U-series, Sr, Pb, and Nd in geological samples. It must support both dry plasma and laser ablation sample introduction methods and will primarily be applied to geological and materials science research. The system will be integrated with the University's existing 193 nm and femtosecond laser systems.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
Dual beam path enabling bypass of the collision cell when not required.
Daly detectors providing wide dynamic range for mixed isotope systems.
Upgrade pathway for fast ion counters to enable single-shot analysis when available.
Manufacturer warranty of 36 months
The estimated budget for an instrument meeting these specifications is £490,000.00 excluding VAT, £588,000 including VAT. The University intends to procure an ex-demonstration or refurbished instrument directly from the manufacturer. Offers from customers or third-party resellers will not be considered.
Contract 1. MC-ICPMS (Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Supplier
Contract value
- £490,000 excluding VAT
- £588,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 January 2026 to 6 January 2029
- 3 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38433100 - Mass spectrometer
Contract locations
- UKJ31 - Portsmouth
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Following the placement of a PA UK2 Advertisement, no other interest was received. The awarded party is the only supplier that has confirmed able to meet the technical requirement and budget.
Note: Ametek are a parent company of Nu instruments Ltd. The contract will be with Nu Instruments Ltd
Supplier
AMETEK (GB) LIMITED
- Companies House: 02569386
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNPL-2282-WRQP
2 New Star Road
Leicester
LE4 9JD
United Kingdom
Email: nu.info@ametek.com
Website: http://www.ametek.co.uk/
Region: UKF21 - Leicester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. MC-ICPMS (Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer
Contracting authority
University of Portsmouth Higher Education Corporation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWYV-2655-NPMQ
University House
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ31 - Portsmouth
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government