CEFAS24-132 Request for quotation for a Benchtop Freeze Dryer

Sedimentology is responsible for all freeze-drying requirements at Cefas, we support multiple work areas, such as Microplastics, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry and Radiochemistry, with Sedimentology having the highest demand. Freeze drying is a fundamental initial first step in the preparation of sediment, seagrass and biota for various analyses such as stable isotopes, total carbon, chlorophyll, porosity, TGA, metals and radiological analysis for sedimentation which supports carbon sequestration assessments (climate regulation service).

Scope of Requirements: Cefas require a small bench top freeze dryer which is able to freeze dry between 20-30 sediment samples in containers measuring 12cm x 12cm, 4cm high each, within one week to enable stabilisation of short-lived radioisotopes and chlorophyll. We also need this equipment to plug in with a 3-pin plug.

1. Technical Requirement: • Overall unit size to be no more than 80cm (w) x 60cm (d) x 50cm (h) • Weight to be no more than 90kg • Shelves within the drying chamber must allow approx. 20-30 containers at 12cm x 12cm, 4cm high to fit at a time. • Required drying time 2-7 days • Unit must have a UK 3 Pin plug

2. Environmental Considerations • Unit should have ultra low power consumption. • Unit should 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.

3. Hardware, Software, PC, Licenses, operating systems 3.1 N/A 4. Compatibility with existing hardware/software/equipment 4.1 N/A 5. Installation 5.1 N/A 6. Ease of maintenance 6.1 Any user maintainable aspects of the unit should be described in the bid submission. This is to include any limitations where there are no user serviceable aspects. 7. Parts, Consumables and Updates 7.1 N/A 8. Warranties, Guarantees, Servicing 8.1 Warranties will start from the point of acceptance of delivery. Cefas expect minimum warranty period of 12 months to be included in the purchase. 8.2 The supplier should provide information on potential servicing packages It is essential that delivery is made to Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory by week commencing 07/03/2025 . You should confirm lead time in your bid submission.

Please refrain from bidding if you are unable to guarantee delivery by this date. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS24-132 under opportunities.