Research Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) requires a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) capable of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), which would enable in-depth analysis and research into a wide variety of consumer and construction products across OPSS' catalogue. This would help to identify potential mechanical, chemical, electrical, and flammability risks.

Any proposed SEM should be a high-resolution, floor-standing, environmental / variable pressure SEM, with an EDS detector as a minimum. As many of the products OPSS regulates are non-conductive, an environmental SEM is required, versatile enough to meet the organisation's varied product portfolio. The supplier will also include training and 4 years' servicing as part of the tender.

It is desirable, though not essential, that the proposed SEM include an Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector and a stand-alone optical microscope. Furthermore, some of OPSS' work programmes may include nanoparticles, so a high-resolution system would be desirable. A specification detailing all essential and desirable requirements, will be included as part of the invitation to tender. Other additional components, software capabilities or add-ons that a supplier is able to provide as part of any offering, should be listed as part of the tender response.

Interested suppliers are invited to attend a supplier engagement session scheduled to take place on 5th June 2023 13:00 - 15:00 via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to attend, please register your interest using the contact details below. The event will provide more information about the opportunity and what we expect from suppliers. It will also give suppliers an opportunity to better understand what OPSS aims to achieve from the contract.

The event will last approximately 2 hours, comprising of:

- Overview of our requirements (including essential and desirable elements) - Explanation of the tendering process - Open floor question and answer session

To register your interest, please email [email protected]

Additional information: The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) is part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). OPSS was created in January 2018 to deliver consumer protection and to support business confidence, productivity and growth. We regulate a wide range of products with a focus on their safety and integrity. We work with local, national and international regulators, with consumer representatives and with businesses to deliver effective protections and to support compliance. Our mission is to be a trusted product regulator for the UK. This means protecting people and places, enabling business to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices. We will be a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation. OPSS is: - the national regulator for all consumer products, except for vehicles, medicines and food. - the national regulator for legal metrology, ensuring weighing and measuring instruments are accurate and reliable. Further information about OPSS can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-product-safety-and-standards