Published date: 15 March 2023

Last edited date: 5 June 2023

This notice was replaced on 23 October 2023

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

Awarded contract (published 23 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

  • Fluorescent microscopes - 38515200

Location of contract

SP4 0JQ

Value of contract

£100,000

Procurement reference

RQ0000010125

Published date

15 March 2023

Closing date

13 April 2023

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

30 April 2023

Contract end date

31 May 2023

Contract type

Supply contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

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

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Intended uses (priority order):
1) Real-time imaging of cellular physiology using ion-sensitive fluorophores or similar probes (e.g. fura 2 and fluo dyes with ability for acquisition of fura 2 ratiometric images ≥1Hz)
2) General epifluorescence imaging of living cell cultures using a range of fluorescent dyes to image cellular structure and function (cell viability, mitochondrial function, ROS etc). Excitation/emission capabilities should cover standard range of fluorophores (e.g. DAPI, fluorescein, rhodamine etc).
3) General transmitted light and epifluorescence imaging of fixed / stained cell cultures and slide-mounted tissue sections
Essential requirements:
• Research-grade inverted microscope chassis, stage, transmitted light illumination, eyepieces etc
• Microscope should be capable of phase and differential interference contrast transmitted light methods.
• Objectives 10, 20, 40 and ~60 or 100x optimised for epifluorescence observation and DIC, 20 and 40x objectives optimised for UV excitation for Fura 2 (@340 & 380 nm, if different from standard epifluorescence objectives), additional 20 and 40x for phase contrast.
• Epifluorescence light source to provide illumination for cellular physiology studies (excitation suitable for a range of dyes including fura 2) should include software controlled shutter, or equivalent, to control illumination and synchronise to image acquisition.
• Epifluorescence light source for general epifluorescence imaging (2 and 3 above) if different
• Ability to mount both epifluorescence illumination systems and switch between physiology and high-resolution epifluorescence imaging modes
• Monochrome camera suitable for real-time imaging cellular physiology
• Monochrome camera for high resolution general epifluorescence (if different from above)
• Ability to mount both cameras and switch between physiology and high-resolution epifluorescence imaging modes
• Image acquisition and analysis software suitable for running cellular physiology studies
• Image acquisition and analysis software suitable for general epifluorescence studies. Ability to combine fluorescence images to produce composite images, ability to undertake image analysis/cytometry measurements of fluorescently labelled specimens.
Desirable requirements:
• Motorised control of microscope operation
• Additional image analysis options for analysis of standard histopathology tissue sections
Other:
• If all capability is not possible on one microscope chassis then would consider two systems.

This requirement will be on the defence sourcing portal (DSP)

More information

Previous notice about this procurement

Epiflourescence Microscope

  • Early engagement
  • Published 7 March 2023

Attachments

Links

Additional text

How to apply - This notice can be found on the defence sourcing portal at this link: https://www.contracts.mod.uk/go/172903630186FEB197D9

About the buyer

Contact name

Ben Payne

Address

Porton Down
SALISBURY
SP40JQ
England

Telephone

07986704275

Email

bpayne@dstl.gov.uk