Published date: 29 January 2024

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.


Closing: 12 February 2024, 5pm

Contract summary

Industry

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

Location of contract

TW11 0LW

Value of contract

£0

Procurement reference

tender_410709/1307668

Published date

29 January 2024

Closing date

12 February 2024

Closing time

5pm

Contract start date

4 March 2024

Contract end date

31 July 2025

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

Recent advancements in radiation therapy, particularly the emergence of UHDR or FLASH-RT (Ultra-High Dose Rate Radiotherapy), have introduced a new set of complexities. FLASH-RT involves the delivery of radiation at remarkably elevated dose rates, exceeding 40 Gy/s. This revolutionary approach has demonstrated the potential to spare healthy tissues while effectively treating cancerous cells. It offers the promise of reduced side effects, shorter treatment times, and greater access to therapy.

Unlike traditional ionisation chambers used in radiation dosimetry, the Transmission Calorimeter does not rely on ionization processes. Instead, it exploits the rise in temperature induced by absorption of the radiation beam. By accurately measuring this temperature increase, the Transmission Calorimeter provides a direct method for quantifying the radiation dose delivered to a target area.

The Transmission Calorimeter system consists of two forms of device that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled. These are:
a. Electronic Readout Box: This box contains four DC Wheatstone Bridge circuits, each fed by a voltage regulator. It has panel mounted connectors to facilitate connection to the thermistor networks located within the Transmission Calorimeter and to enable monitoring of the "Bridge Out of Balance" Voltages, measured using external voltmeters and integrated Analogue to Digital Converters (ADCs).
b. Radiation Sensor: This consists of two printed circuit boards (PCBs) and serves as the primary platform for thermal measurements. It is composed of two modules, the "active" and "compensating" areas. The Radiation Sensor will connect to the Electronic Readout Box. Several different sizes of Radiation Sensors are requested as part of this procurement process.

A successful patent application has been made for the Radiation Sensor by NPL Management Ltd, WO2023227909A1 "TRANSMISSION CALORIMETER FOR MEASURING DOSE OF RADIATION", has been published and is accessible on patent databases.
https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/082324167/publication/WO2023227909A1?q=WO2023227909

This may be referenced by Bidders for additional context.

The project has secured funding from the UK Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) to explore the commercial potential of NPL-held intellectual property related to the Transmission Calorimeter. The primary objective is to develop an 'advanced prototype' of the Transmission Calorimeter system. The current stage of development is estimated to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, signifying a proof-of-concept stage. The project aims to advance the system to TRL 5 or higher, demonstrating its viability as an advanced prototype.

It's essential to emphasise that the project does not intend to produce a clinical product for measuring radiation dose. Instead, the focus is on enhancing confidence in the Transmission Calorimeter concept.

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