Published date: 11 July 2023

This notice was replaced on 10 November 2023

This notice does not contain the most up-to-date information about this procurement. The most recent notice is:

Awarded contract (published 10 November 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

TW11 0LW

Value of contract

£0

Procurement reference

tender_378029/1233915

Published date

11 July 2023

Closing date

25 July 2023

Closing time

5pm

Contract start date

11 September 2023

Contract end date

30 April 2024

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Competitive quotation (below threshold)

The buyer selects a group of potential suppliers to invite to tender.

This procedure can be used for procurements below the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The National Physical Laboratory [NPL] requirement is for a microscope to be used for imaging and dimensional measurements of microfabricated quantum devices. The microscope will be installed inside the SuperFab cleanroom at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The microscope will be used both for imaging throughout the fabrication process, and for measuring the dimensions of completed devices and features. Primarily, the microscope will be used with samples comprising thin-films (metals and dielectrics) deposited on silicon- or sapphire wafers. The equipment must be cleanroom compatible.

The instrument must enable the device imaging based on the following

1) The complete system must comprise the microscope and any software needed to meet the specifications.
2) It must enable automatic large area "stitching" of images and include a motorised stage
3) The system with its software suite must be able to provide dimensional measurements, step height measurement, and area / volume measurements on all relevant materials.
4) The included software must be suitable for a multi-user environment.
5) Should preferably enable long working distances (>4mm)
6) Should be suitable for imaging of microfabricated 3D structures.
7) Please note that this RFQ does not specify the type of microscope. Both widefield optical microscopes and confocal microscopes will be considered if they meet the requirements.
8) 'As part of the evaluation process NPL will hold a demonstration stage with the top scoring 2 suppliers. Suppliers will have to demonstrate the capability of their proposed system by imaging a sample supplied by NPL.

More information

Links

Additional text

The Authority is using the LUPC Bravo e-Procurement portal to conduct the procurement process. All Suppliers must register their company via the LUPC Bravo Portal.

About the buyer

Contact name

Nina Heath

Address

Hampton road
Teddington
TW11 0LW
England

Email

nina.heath@npl.co.uk