Published date: 16 February 2026

Awarded contract - This means that the contract has been awarded to a supplier.


Closing: 26 January 2026, 12pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) - 38000000

Location of contract

NR33 0HT

Value of contract

£10,020.78

Procurement reference

CF-0608200D8d000003VQwdEAG

Published date

16 February 2026

Closing date

26 January 2026

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

3 February 2026

Contract end date

19 March 2027

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Call-off from a framework agreement

A mini-competition or direct purchase from a pre-established framework agreement.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The use of a high-performance stereo light microscope is necessary in the taxonomic identification of zooplankton and ichthyoplankton. The study of these organisms requires high resolution observation and imaging for accurate taxonomic identification due to their small size, delicate structures and features. A high-performance stereo microscope provides the necessary magnification, depth of field and illumination to distinguish key morphological characteristics such as appendages, segmentation, pigmentation, and development. The microscope will support ongoing research, species identification, long term monitoring programs and contribute to stock assessment, management strategies and conservation in fisheries science.

Scope of Requirements:

1. Technical Requirement
1.1 Optical system
1.1.1 Stereo microscope with high resolution
1.1.2 Zoom ratio of 16.4:1 or higher
1.1.3 Zoom range of approx. 0.7x to 11.5x or equivalent
1.2 Magnification
1.2.1 Optional objectives for extended magnification
1.2.2 10x eyepieces suitable for eyeglass wearers
1.3 Working distance
1.3.1 Large and adjustable working distance
1.3.2 Interchangeable objective lenses
1.4 Illumination
1.4.1 LED light base
1.4.2 Options for brightfield, oblique, darkfield, and polarised illumination
1.4.3 Adjustable intensity
1.5 Focus
1.5.1 Coarse and fine focus adjustments
1.6 Camera and imaging compatibility
1.6.1 Fully compatible with digital microscope cameras
1.7 Ergonomics
1.7.1 Adjustable viewing angle and comfortable working position
1.7.2 Designed for extended use without operator fatigue
1.8 Accessories
1.8.1 Dust cover
1.8.2 Instruction manual
1.9 Warranty
1.9.1 Minimum 2 year warranty covering parts and labour
1.9.2 Online service support available


2. Environmental Considerations
• Unit should have an ultralow power consumption.
• Unit should be designed for reuse/remanufacture and of regenerative nature to eliminate waste where possible.
• Consideration of how packaging will be managed. Ideally at the time of installation the supplier will remove packaging and dispose of by ethical and environmentally friendly methods. Where possible packaging is to be re-used or recycled.
• Consideration of life cycle assessment for the equipment.

3. Parts, Consumables and Updates
3.1 Replacement parts to be readily available
4.
Warranties, Guarantees, Servicing
4.1 Warranties will start from the point of acceptance of delivery and once the goods have been tested to ensure they are in working order. Cefas expect minimum warranty period of 24 months to be included in the purchase

Award information

Awarded date

2 February 2026

Contract start date

3 February 2026

Contract end date

19 March 2027

Total value of contract

£10,020.78

This contract was awarded to 1 supplier.

Evident Europe GmbH - UK Branch

Address

Endeavour House, Coopers End Road, Stansted Airport CM24 1AL

Reference

None

About the buyer

Contact name

Laura Anderson

Address

Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
United Kingdom

Email

procure@cefas.gov.uk