Infrared Femtosecond Laser System

Concepts

• lasers
• southampton
• high intensity femtosecond pulses
• infrared femtosecond laser system
• system
• infrared
• femtosecond
• laser
• precision equipment
• laboratory and optical equipment

Location

Didcot, Oxfordshire, England

Description

The Water Window X-ray Microscope Project is a new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques. Suitable coherent X-ray radiation will be generated using high harmonic generation (HHG), requiring high intensity femtosecond pulses in the infrared spectral region. The signal requirements for imaging mean that a high repetition rate system is necessary. The intended end product will be a microscope that will be available to users for biological imaging.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Water Window X-ray Microscope Project is a new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques. Suitable coherent X-ray radiation will be generated using high harmonic generation (HHG), requiring high intensity femtosecond pulses in the infrared spectral region. The signal requirements for imaging mean that a high repetition rate system is necessary. The intended end product will be a microscope that will be available to users for biological imaging. 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 4 years and 7 months with the successful tenderer. This will comprise of an estimated delivery lead time for 19 months followed by a 1 year warranty period which will commence upon delivery, installation and acceptance, and 2 x 12 month optional extensions to the warranty period. 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 completion of Site Acceptance Testing. The Contract will be effective upon signing. The estimated value of the proposal is £920,000.00 (excluding VAT). 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 who's 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 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 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 in 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 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 Regulations 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. Costs 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.