Laser Ablation Micro-Sampling System

Concepts

• lasers
• southampton
• system
• sampling
• laser
• micro
• sample
• ablation
• precision equipment
• laboratory and optical equipment

Location

Southampton, Hampshire, England

Description

The University of Southampton is looking to purchase a Laser Ablation Micro-sampling System for connection to various ICP-MS instruments for the purpose of carrying out spatially resolved elemental and isotopic measurements in a wide range of earth, anthropogenic and biological materials. We have a particular interest in fast imaging/mapping applications. The supplied laser ablation micro-sampling system will be coupled to a range of mass spectrometers in our Research Facility including a Nu Instruments Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neptune MC-ICP-MS, Thermo Scientific Element XR HR-ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 QQQ-ICP-MS and a Thermo Scientific X-Series ICP-MS. The laser ablation system will be used principally for fast mapping/imaging applications in conjunction with our Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS and Nu Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS. As such, it must be capable of achieving repetition rates of up to 1KHz with fast sample transport/washout. It is anticipated that the system will also be used for more conventional 'analytical-type' analyses on all of our ICP-MS instruments. The supplied system must seamlessly integrate with the hardware and software of our ICP-MS instruments to permit fully programmed/automated analyses. The laser within the system must be capable of coupling with a wide range of materials in a range of formats.

Total Quantity or Scope

The University of Southampton is looking to purchase a Laser Ablation Micro-sampling System for connection to various ICP-MS instruments for the purpose of carrying out spatially resolved elemental and isotopic measurements in a wide range of earth, anthropogenic and biological materials. We have a particular interest in fast imaging/mapping applications. The supplied laser ablation micro-sampling system will be coupled to a range of mass spectrometers in our Research Facility including a Nu Instruments Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS, a Thermo Scientific Neptune MC-ICP-MS, Thermo Scientific Element XR HR-ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 QQQ-ICP-MS and a Thermo Scientific X-Series ICP-MS. The laser ablation system will be used principally for fast mapping/imaging applications in conjunction with our Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS and Nu Vitesse TOF-ICP-MS. As such, it must be capable of achieving repetition rates of up to 1KHz with fast sample transport/washout. It is anticipated that the system will also be used for more conventional 'analytical-type' analyses on all of our ICP-MS instruments. The supplied system must seamlessly integrate with the hardware and software of our ICP-MS instruments to permit fully programmed/automated analyses. The laser within the system must be capable of coupling with a wide range of materials in a range of formats. 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 6 years with the successful tenderer. This will comprise of an estimated delivery lead time of up to 12 months followed by a 3-year warranty and an optional 4 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 3-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 £260,000.00 (excluding VAT). The estimated Contract Value of the initial 4-year contract term is no greater than £200,000.00 (excluding VAT). The estimated value of the 4 x 12-month option extension periods is no greater than £15,000.00 (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
• 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

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. This is the purchase of a single piece of equipment therefore dividing the requirement into Lots would undermine proper execution of the Contract and would not be possible from a technical perspective. 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 tenderers. 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 that all communications with the University, including 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: 1. Log in 2. Click 'Tenders' 3. Locate the relevant project 4. View details 5. Click on the tab relating 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 Regulation 2015, 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.