Tunable Broadband QC Laser System

Concepts

• lasers
• southampton
• system
• laser
• broadband
• tunable
• optional extension periods
• excellent beam pointing control
• proper execution
• silicon photonics platforms

Location

Southampton, Hampshire, UK

Description

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) is looking to purchase a tunable mid-IR laser system that can be used in the frame of the MISSION EPSRC programme grant. The ORC already possesses a tunable laser systems that cover the 6-12 m spectral range, however it does not operate in CW regime, has low output optical power and it has no beam pointing control. The MISSION is a flagship project with the main objective to demonstrate medical and environmental sensors based on absorption spectroscopy using silicon photonics platforms. It is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project which requires a widely tunable mid-IR source with large CW output power and excellent beam pointing control. Since we are developing various sensing platforms it is crucial we get such a source to be able to efficiently test our sensors. The system will be used for research and will be based in Building 53 (Mountbatten building at Highfield campus).

Total Quantity or Scope

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) is looking to purchase a tunable mid-IR laser system that can be used in the frame of the MISSION EPSRC programme grant. The ORC already possesses a tunable laser systems that cover the 6-12 m spectral range, however it does not operate in CW regime, has low output optical power and it has no beam pointing control. The MISSION is a flagship project with the main objective to demonstrate medical and environmental sensors based on absorption spectroscopy using silicon photonics platforms. It is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project which requires a widely tunable mid-IR source with large CW output power and excellent beam pointing control. Since we are developing various sensing platforms it is crucial we get such a source to be able to efficiently test our sensors. The system will be used for research and will be based in Building 53 (Mountbatten building at Highfield campus). The University is conducting this procurement using the Open procedure in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations for the purpose of procuring the goods described in the Specification. The University proposes to enter into a Contract for up to 8 years and 4 months with the successful tenderer. This will comprise of an estimated delivery lead time of up to 4 months followed by a 1 year warranty period and an optional 7 x 12 month extensions to the warranty that can be used at the University's discretion. Should the estimated delivery date be exceeded, the contract length will be extended and the initial 1 year warranty period will begin upon delivery and acceptance of the goods. The Contract will be effective upon signing. The estimated value of the proposal is £180,500.00 (excluding VAT). The estimated Contract Value of the initial 1 year and 4 month contract term is no greater than £170,000.00 (excluding VAT). The estimated value of the 7 x 12 month optional extension periods is no greater than £1,500.00 (excluding VAT) per extension. Whilst bidders are expected to provide a proposal that falls within this budget, for the benefit of doubt, the University reserves the right to automatically exclude any bidders whose proposal exceeds this figure. All related components, delivery, installation, commissioning, training and warranties MUST be included within the proposal. Details of current expenditure or potential future uptake are given as a guide based on past purchasing and current planning to assist you in the preparation of your Tender. They should not be interpreted as an undertaking to purchase any goods or services to any particular value and do not form part of the Contract.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 38636100 - Lasers

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are not available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

This Contract is NOT suitable for splitting into Lots. The risk of dividing the requirement into Lots would render the execution of the Contract excessively technically difficult, not cost effective and would undermine proper execution of the Contract. E-Tendering Portal: The University is utilising an electronic tendering tool, In-Tend (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofsouthampton), to manage this procurement and to communicate with potential suppliers and/or tenderers (as appropriate). All documentation in relation to this tender can be downloaded from In-Tend. Tenderers are advised that there will be no hard copy documents issued and all communications with the University, including the submission of Invitation to Tender responses will be conducted via In-Tend. Regular monitoring of the portal is the responsibility of the Tenderer. If you are not already registered as a supplier with the University of Southampton, you will need to register on In-Tend in order to access the procurement documentation. Once you have logged in as a supplier: click on 'Tenders'; locate the relevant project; and click 'View Details'. Once you are in the project screen you will be able to register your organisation against the project and access all documentation by clicking 'Express Interest'. Tenderers are advised that formal expressions of interest in the project must be by way of completion and return of the relevant documents via In-Tend. Further instructions for the submission of responses are below: To submit your return: 1. Log in 2. Click 'Tenders' 3. Locate relevant project 4. View details 5. Click on the tab relation to the relevant project stage (e.g. 'Invitation to Tender'). 6. Click on the 'Attach Documents' button and upload your return. 7. Check ALL your response documents are uploaded and displayed in the 'My Tender Return' panel. The system will only permit your organisation to make one return. 8. Click the red 'Submit Return' button. Please note, to preserve the integrity of the procurement, all communications with the University must be made via the correspondence function within In-Tend. Publication of Award Details: In accordance with Regulation 50, paragraph (2) of the Public Contracts Regulations2015 and subject to Article 5 and Annex 5, Part D (13) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (if applicable), the University intends to publish the value of any resulting contract at the award stage and reserves the right to do so. By submitting a response, tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University. Cost and Expenses: Tenderers are solely responsible for their costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of responses and participation in this and all future stages of this procurement. Under no circumstances will the University be liable for any costs or expenses borne by Tenderers or any of their supply chain, partners or advisers in this procurement process. The University is not liable for any costs in the event of the cancellation of this procurement process.