Published date: 26 September 2023
Last edited date: 26 September 2023
This notice was replaced on 18 October 2023
This notice does not contain the most up-to-date information about this procurement. The most recent notice is:
Awarded contract (published 18 October 2023)
Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.
Contract summary
Industry
Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) - 38000000
Location of contract
B4 7ET
Value of contract
£600,000
Procurement reference
864
Published date
26 September 2023
Closing date
9 October 2023
Closing time
12pm
Contract start date
10 October 2023
Contract end date
11 October 2023
Contract type
Supply contract
Procedure type
Negotiated procedure without prior publication (above threshold)
The opportunity was not advertised, because for example only one supplier is capable of delivering the requirement, or due to extreme urgency brought about by unforeseen events.
This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
No
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
No
Description
Aston University is putting out this notice as a VEAT (Voluntary Ex ante Transparency Notice) with a view to completing a Direct Award to Scienion (UK) Limited for the supply and installation of a specialist 3D Bioprinter.
Aston University intends to award the contract without a call for competition in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ((32.2(b) ii). The contract duration is expected to be October 2023 to September 2024 as per the warranty period.
In order to achieve our objectives, the University requires the following:
• Ability to control the voxel size along one scanning plane using synchronized laser power modulation at high speeds. Necessary to achieve smooth surfaces for micro fluidic channels on much higher speeds for this high resolution compared to any other technique.
• Method of printing such as Dip-in Laser Lithography (DiLL), where the resin is simultaneously used as an immersion medium and written on the same side of the substrate as the imaging objective. This is necessary to eliminate height restrictions on printed structures. Some users plan structures of ~20mm height.
• Printing on non-transparent and non-planar surfaces in addition to planar transparent. This is necessary for many major users particularly those printing on CMOS chips, semiconductors and electronic interface components. Also users will require ability to print into commercially available microfluidic chips with channels and cell perfusion wells with range of ~1200-1700 µm depth.
• Upright printing platform (i.e. the objective approaches from above) is necessary for many planned user printing at Aston. It is ideal for wafer-scale and batch production, and enabling of large height structures.
• Availability of a wide range of materials to be used with the system, such as biocompatible low fluorescence material printing, glass structure printing, and biocompatible gels. Aston user experience with materials important for rapid and confident user uptake.
• Features of the equipment required for use in the Aston multiuser facility. These include a sound pressure level (LpA) below 40 dB(A), and remote access and monitoring of prints. Touchscreen user interface to allow intuitive operation and increase usability facilitating maximal usage.
• Additionally, features that enable rapid setup and calibration, with writing strategies to enable high throughput of large structures. These are necessary for the efficiency of Aston multiuser facility and approaches such as rapid prototyping.
• Short lead time to meet requirement of funding usage.
The University will not enter the proposed contract before 10 October 2023.
About the buyer
Contact name
Jacob Rankine
Address
Aston Triangle
BIRMINGHAM
B47ET
England
Telephone
0121 204 4562
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