Servicing and Calibration Services for Advanced Manufacturing and Research Equipment

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 maintenance and calibration services that supports the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of specialist research, engineering, laboratory, manufacturing, and facilities equipment. For the purposes of this scope, the University intends to explore options for a unified service provision covering: -Planned preventative maintenance and servicing -Calibration and inspection This requirement will apply across multiple operational lots and will encompass a diverse range of specialist assets, including research instrumentation, manufacturing and automation systems, thermal processing equipment, metrology tools, and associated 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 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: Joining, Robotics & Automation — This lot will include: Servicing and calibration of automated production systems, robotic platforms, motion control systems, and joining technologies used in manufacturing, fabrication, research, and automated process development. Scope: Covers integrated manufacturing and automation systems involving robotic movement, machine control, automated positioning, process integration, and permanent joining technologies. Includes industrial robots, collaborative robots, automated welding systems, robotic cells, motion control equipment, and associated control, sensing, and safety systems directly linked to automated manufacturing operations. Applies to equipment where automation, programmable control, coordinated motion, or joining processes form a core operational function within manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, or research environments. Includes categories: Welding / Joining MIG, TIG, Resistance & Advanced Welding Systems Automated & Robotic Welding Cells Robotics & Automation Industrial Robots & Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Robotic Positioners, Turntables & Motion Systems Robot Controllers & Automation Hardware Automated Manufacturing & Process Cells Machine Vision & Robotic Inspection Systems Process Monitoring & Automation Interfaces Integrated Control & Safety Systems (process-linked) Automated Material Handling Associated with Production Cells. Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot: Thermal & Process Equipment — This lot will include: Servicing and calibration of thermally driven manufacturing equipment, temperature-controlled processing systems, and associated process-critical thermal infrastructure used in research, manufacturing, and industrial processing environments. Scope: Covers all equipment where heat generation, thermal transfer, controlled atmosphere, temperature stability, or thermal cycling are fundamental to process operation or product performance. Includes furnaces, ovens, autoclaves, thermal reactors, heat treatment systems, and process-linked cooling or thermal regulation equipment directly supporting manufacturing or laboratory operations. Applies to systems used for thermal processing, curing, sintering, drying, melting, coating, deposition, environmental conditioning, and other temperature-dependent industrial or research activities, including associated process monitoring and thermal control hardware. Includes categories: Thin Film / Surface Engineering Thermal Processing / Heat Treatment Furnaces, Ovens & Controlled Atmosphere Systems Vacuum & High-Temperature Processing Equipment Autoclaves, Reactors & Thermal Curing Systems Thermal Analysis & Process Heating Equipment Cooling / Thermal Control Systems (process-linked only) Chillers, Heat Exchangers & Process Cooling Equipment Temperature Control & Thermal Regulation Systems Utilities / Infrastructure (temperature/process control elements only) Process Gas, Vacuum & Thermal Support Systems Thermal Monitoring & Process Control Hardware. Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised. Lot: Heavy Manufacturing & Forming Systems — This lot will include, however, will not be limited to: Servicing, inspection, and calibration of heavy manufacturing equipment, deformation processing machinery, and associated material handling and lifting systems us