CEFAS25-134 Request for Quotation for Acquisition of an ICP-OES

Contract summary

Industry

• Spectrometers - 38433000

Location of contract

NR33 0HT

Value of contract

£51,452.52

Procurement reference

CF-0604800D8d000003VQwdEAG

Published date

10 February 2026

Closing date

8 January 2026

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

10 February 2026

Contract end date

10 February 2027

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Call-off from a framework agreement

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

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Description

The Chemistry Function at the Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory has a requirement for an
inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the analysis of
environmental samples. The system will be capable of analysing trace elements in diluted acid
matrix solutions (HNO3, HCl and HF) formed from microwave acid digestion of marine
sediment and biota samples. Ex-demonstration instruments under 3 years old may be
proposed at a reduced price and provided 12 months extended warranty is offered. Where
an ex-demonstration instrument is proposed, this must be clearly declared in the supplier's
quotation.
This purchase is being conducted under the LUPC Framework Agreement: High Value
Laboratory Equipment (HVLE) - LAB3162 NW, Lot 3 - Spectroscopy Equipment.
Scope of Requirements:
1. Technical Requirement
The requirement is for a fully automated, bench-top ICP-OES system capable of
high-throughput, multi-elemental analysis with robust performance for a wide range
of sample matrices. The system must deliver high sensitivity, low detection limits, and
excellent long-term stability, supporting both routine and research applications. The
objective is to enhance analytical capacity, improve data quality, and ensure
compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 17025).
The OES system must:
• Have an argon gas source which it uses efficiently.
• Be axial mode (or duo mode), and not purely radial mode.
• Have sub-1ppb detection limits for most required elements (at optimal
wavelength).
• Operate under a wavelength range of approximately 180 to 850 nm or better.
• Be robust and demonstrate minimal downtime due to maintenance.
• Include the chiller unit.
• Include an autosampler and associated paraphernalia.
• Include a sample tray containing at least 150 positions (with options of rack
configuration for standard and sample solutions).
2. Environmental Considerations
• Unit must have an ultra-low power consumption.
• Unit must 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.
• Trade-in or removal of the old system will be of benefit. If a trade-in option can be
provided, please include the relevant details in the Pricing Schedule 2 table of
this RFQ.

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Award information

Awarded date

9 February 2026

Contract start date

10 February 2026

Contract end date

10 February 2027

Total value of contract

£51,452.52

This contract was awarded to 1 supplier.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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About the buyer

Contact name

Giovana Cousseau

Address

Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
United Kingdom

Email

procure@cefas.gov.uk