Provision of a 2D Material System

The University of Southampton has a requirement for a 2D Material System. This equipment will expand our capabilities both in size but also in function, giving the ability to produce materials in an industrial compatible form. It will allow us to build upon past investments, enabling the acceleration of research by removing current limitations. As an example, a process that currently requires 47 days will reduce to just one day, shrinking the cost by sizable economy of scales. This will have a positive knock on effect on the subsequent steps as it will provide risk mitigation and the ability to fine tune processes without sacrificing yield, in effect decoupling the research efforts from fundamental tool limitations.

Fitting with University strategy the tool will facilitate the expansion of research in 2D optoelectronic devices in the Zepler Institute and promote further internal collaborations and enhance the interdisciplinary nature of our work across the University. It will enable us to accelerate our collaboration with the department of physics for studies in light matter interaction. 2D materials offer a fresh approach in the study of biological systems and biosensors, expanding our research with the department of Life Sciences.

Enabling large area 2D materials will allow us to further our involvement in smart coatings with the Department of Engineering. The acquisition of the proposed equipment will ensure high quality research and generate funding, thereby increasing the volume of research we undertake by:

• Attracting world-leading academic staff and doctoral students as it will facilitate the ability to conduct research on materials and devices that are not available anywhere else in the world. • Promoting growth and development by providing the freedom for more discoveries in the nation's priority area of advanced materials. • Enhancing our international profile and attracting academic and corporate partners. • Offering a distinct strength point that will enhance our enterprise. • Attract governmental and corporate funding that will cover further costs within the Faculty.

Additional information: The University is utilising an electronic tendering tool, In-Tend (https://intendhost.co.uk/ universityofsouthampton) to manage this procurement and to communicate with potential suppliers and/or tenderers (as appropriate).

All documentation in relation to this tender can be downloaded from In-Tend.

Potential tenderers are advised that there will be no hard copy documents issued and all communications with the University, including the submission of Selection Stage and/or Invitation to Tender responses will be conducted via In-Tend.

Regular monitoring of the portal is the responsibility of the potential tenderer.

If you are not already registered as a supplier with the University of Southampton, you will need to register in In-Tend in order to access the procurement documentation.

Once you have logged in as a supplier: click on 'Tenders'; locate the relevant project; and click 'View Details'. Once you are in the project screen, you will be able to register your organisation against the project and access all documentation by clicking 'Express Interest'.

Potential suppliers/tenderers are advised that formal expressions of interest in the project must be by way of completion and return of the relevant documents via In-Tend.

Further instructions for the submission of responses are below:

To submit your return:

1. Log in

2. Click 'Tenders'

3. Locate the relevant project

4. View details

5. Click on the tab relating to the relevant project stage (e.g. 'Invitation to Tender')

6. Click on the 'Attach Documents' button and upload your return.

7. Check ALL your response documents are uploaded and displayed in the 'My Tender Return' panel. The system will only permit your organisation to make one return.

8. Click the red 'Submit Return' button.

Please note, to preserve the integrity of the procurement, all communications with the University must be made via the correspondence function within In-Tend.

Publication of Award Details: In accordance with Regulation 50, paragraph (2) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subject to Article 5 and Annex 5, Part D (13) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (if applicable), the University intends to publish the value of any resulting contract at the award stage, and reserves the right to do so. By submitting a response, potential suppliers/tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University.

Potential tenderers are solely responsible for their costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of responses and participation in this and all future stages of this procurement. Under no circumstances will the University be liable for any costs or expenses borne by potential suppliers/te