Time of Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

This project is for the supply of a Time of Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (TOF-ICP-MS) for the Geochemistry Group of the University of Southampton based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. The instrument we seek will complement our existing instrument capabilities (including Multi-collector ICP-MS, Sector Magnet ICP-MS and Quad ICP-MS).The requirements are for a TOF-ICP-MS instrument that will provide accurate and precise simultaneous quantitative analyses of trace and major elements in a wide range of sample matrices introduced via solution, laser ablation and other coupled devices. Sample types will include both natural materials (rocks and minerals, seawater, other natural waters, biological materials, etc.) and synthetic materials (nanoparticles, manufactured products, etc.) The system must be delivered, commissioned and successfully pass user acceptance testing by the 31st March 2021. The University proposes to enter into a Contract for 1 year plus an optional year dependant on the warranty levels offered by tenderers in their Tender submission. There will be an optional 3 year extension for support and maintenance subject to satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the University.

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 tenderers (as appropriate).

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

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, tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University.

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/tenderers or any of their supply chain, partners or advisers in this procurement process.