Servicing and Calibration Services for Scientific & Laboratory Equipment

Description

In accordance with Regulation 41 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, the University is issuing this notice to undertake Preliminary Market Consultation prior to commencing any live procurement process. The University of Strathclyde (UoS) seeks notes of interest from suppliers capable of delivering comprehensive servicing, calibration and inspection services that support the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of specialist scientific, laboratory and research equipment. For the purposes of this scope, the University intends to explore options for a unified service provision covering: -Scheduled servicing -Calibration, inspection and compliance testing This requirement will apply across multiple operational lots and will encompass a diverse range of specialist assets, including scientific instrumentation, analytical and laboratory systems, containment and extraction equipment, microscopy and imaging systems, spectroscopy and chromatography platforms, cryogenic and vacuum systems, photonics and laser equipment, metrology tools, environmental control systems, and associated laboratory infrastructure. The University is undertaking this Preliminary Market Consultation to inform future sourcing options and to understand supplier capability, service models, and technical approaches for supporting a complex and varied scientific and laboratory equipment estate. The future solution is expected to provide robust service delivery, modern reporting and compliance assurance, and effective integration with the University’s internal processes and systems. Lot 1: Analytical & Separation Instrumentation This lot will include: Servicing and calibration of analytical chemistry and molecular analysis instrumentation used for separation, identification, quantification, and characterisation of materials, compounds, and biological samples. Scope: Covers laboratory analytical systems based on chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, molecular analysis, and associated sample handling platforms. Includes integrated analytical workflows where detector systems, autosamplers, vacuum systems, thermal control, and analytical software are core operational components. Applies to research, quality assurance, forensic, biomedical, environmental, and process-analysis laboratories where analytical accuracy, repeatability, traceability, and regulatory compliance are critical. Includes categories: Gas Chromatography (GC) Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC/UPLC) LC-MS / GC-MS / HRMS Systems Mass Spectrometry & Orbitrap Systems Spectroscopy & Spectrophotometry FTIR / Raman / UV-Vis / Fluorescence Flow Cytometry & Cell Analysis PCR / qPCR / DNA Analysis Systems Electrophoresis & Genetic Analysis Analytical Sample Introduction Systems Autosamplers & Detector Systems Analytical Vacuum & Pump Systems (instrument-integrated) Analytical Software & Data Systems Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot 2: Microscopy, Imaging & Characterisation Systems This lot will include: Servicing, calibration and alignment of optical, electron, X-ray, and advanced imaging systems used for visualisation, measurement, structural analysis, and material characterisation. Scope: Covers microscopy, imaging, diffraction, tomography, profilometry, and associated optical or electron-beam analytical systems. Includes systems requiring precision alignment, vacuum integration, detector calibration, vibration-sensitive setup, or imaging software support. Applies to research and analytical environments where imaging resolution, positional accuracy, optical alignment, or structural characterisation are critical. Includes categories: Includes categories Optical Microscopy Confocal & Fluorescence Microscopy Stereo & Polarised Microscopy Electron Microscopy (SEM/EPMA) X-Ray Diffraction & X-Ray Imaging CT & MicroCT Systems Surface Profilometry Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Optical Imaging & High-Speed Cameras Imaging Detectors & Scientific Cameras Goniometers & Optical Positioning Optical Characterisation Systems Microscopy Control & Imaging Software " Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised Lot 3: Vacuum, Thin Film, Photonics & Semiconductor Processing Systems This lot will include: Descriptor: Servicing and calibration of vacuum-based research systems, photonics equipment, semiconductor fabrication platforms, and thin-film deposition or etching technologies. Scope: Covers specialist laboratory and pilot-scale systems operating under vacuum, controlled atmosphere, plasma, optical, or semiconductor process conditions. Includes deposition, etching, lithography, laser processing, photonics instrumentation, cryogenic systems, and process-support infrastructure directly integrated into research operations. Applies to cleanroom, photonics, nanotechnology, quantum, semiconductor, and advanced materials research environments. Includes categories: Thin Film Deposition Systems PVD / PECVD / ALD Systems Plasma & Reactive Ion Etchers ICP & DRIE Systems Vacuum Chambers & Vacuum Furnaces Dry Vacuum Pumps & Turbo Systems Lithography & Mask Alignment Systems Laser Processing & Laser Research Systems Tunable Lasers & Optical Sources Optical Measurement & Spectrometry Wire Bonders & Flip-Chip Systems Cryogenic & Quantum Research Systems Semiconductor Process Cooling Systems Process Abatement & Gas Handling Photonics Test & Optical Bench Systems Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot 4: Laboratory Thermal, Pressure & Process Equipment This lot will include: Servicing, validation and calibration of laboratory thermal processing, pressure systems, pilot plant equipment, reactors, sterilisation systems, and laboratory process infrastructure. Scope: Covers laboratory and pilot-scale systems involving controlled temperature, pressure, thermal transfer, sterilisation, reaction chemistry, fluid processing, or process engineering operations. Includes process-linked cooling, heating, pressure containment, and laboratory utility systems directly supporting experimental or production workflows. Applies to research, pilot manufacturing, chemical processing, microbiology, and materials laboratories. Includes categories: Laboratory Furnaces & Ovens Autoclaves & Sterilisers Thermal Analysis Equipment Reactors & Pressure Vessels Pilot Plant & Process Engineering Systems Heat Exchangers & Cooling Towers Fluid Handling & Pump Systems Environmental Chambers & Incubators Water Baths & Circulators Spray Dryers & Drying Systems Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Test Systems Laboratory Vacuum Ovens Process Cooling Equipment Deionised Water Systems (process-linked) Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot 5: Metrology, Electrical Test & General Laboratory Instrumentation This lot will include: Calibration, verification and servicing of laboratory measurement equipment, electrical/electronic test instrumentation, metrology devices, and general scientific support instruments. Scope: Covers standalone measurement, calibration, monitoring, DAQ, electrical test, and laboratory support instruments used for validation, experimentation, diagnostics, and standards verification. Applies to multidisciplinary research, engineering, electronics, physics, and laboratory environments requiring traceable measurement and instrument accuracy. Includes categories: Balances & Weighing Systems Pipettes & Liquid Handling Calibration Oscilloscopes & Electronic Test Equipment Signal Generators & RF Equipment Power Supplies & Source Meters DAQ & Instrument Interfaces Environmental Monitoring Instruments Radiation Monitoring & Dosimetry Optical Power Measurement Network Analysers & Electrical Metrology General Laboratory Measurement Devices Sensors, Controllers & Monitoring Systems Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot 6: Laboratory Safety, Containment & Infrastructure Systems This lot will include: Servicing, statutory inspection, testing and compliance verification of laboratory safety systems, containment infrastructure, environmental protection systems, and laboratory support utilities. Scope: Covers non-process-specific laboratory infrastructure and safety-critical systems required to maintain compliant, safe, and operational laboratory and research environments. Includes containment ventilation, microbiological safety systems, gas safety infrastructure, pressure systems, lifting equipment, and occupational safety systems. Applies to laboratory estates, research facilities, engineering workshops, and specialist scientific environments. Includes categories: Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) Fume Cupboards & LEV Systems Ducted Extraction & Ventilation Gas Detection & Monitoring Systems Gas Manifolds & Gas Safety Systems Pressure Regulators & Gas Infrastructure Fire Suppression & Gas Extinguishing Systems Laboratory Safety Monitoring Systems Oxygen Depletion Monitoring Breathing Apparatus & Safety Equipment Compressed Air Systems Lifting Equipment & Cranes Workshop Environmental Systems Statutory Inspection & Compliance Testing Additional information: Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.