Tenders/Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

University of Plymouth

Published: Nov 9, 2026

Updated: Nov 9, 2026

About This Opportunity

This is a supplies contract in the Research, general supplies and environment and climate sectors, with a focus on Laboratories and Data Science. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums.

Published through UK FTS - Find a Tender Service, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for the supply of goods in the Research sector. Supply contracts typically require bidders to demonstrate product compliance with technical specifications, delivery capacity, and relevant certifications. This is an advance notice — the formal tender is expected to be published shortly. Interested parties can use this time to prepare documentation and identify potential partners.

Description

The University of Plymouth invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced organisations for the supply, installation, commissioning and support of a Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (TOF-ICP-MS) to support frontier environmental and analytical research. The University requires a Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (TOF-ICP-MS) with both single particle and single cell analytical capabilities. The system must achieve limits of detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations and particle size detection capabilities of approximately 15 nm. The instrument must be capable of simultaneous multi-element and isotopic analysis, enabling the quantification of multiple elements and their isotopes within individual particle or cell events in complex environmental matrices. The equipment will support laboratory-based fundamental and frontier research programmes. The proposed solution must include all ancillary equipment necessary for operation, including a suitable autosampler, desolvation system and specialist software for instrument control, data acquisition and data analysis. The software should support the quantification and reporting of particle mass, particle size and number concentration data. The successful supplier will be required to provide delivery, installation, commissioning and performance verification of the complete system, together with comprehensive training for a team of PhD-level researchers and technical staff. The University also requires an appropriate warranty package and service and maintenance support for a period of approximately two to three years following installation. Suppliers should note that installation may require coordination with University stakeholders to undertake minor laboratory modifications and infrastructure works prior to commissioning. Respondents are invited to provide details of any facility, utility, environmental or health and safety requirements associated with their proposed solution. This should include any specific operational considerations, hazards or restrictions, such as high-temperature plasma generation, magnetic field exposure, specialist ventilation requirements, or precautions relating to personnel with medical implants, including pacemakers. Generic risk assessment information and technical facility specifications should also be provided. The procurement of this Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (TOF-ICP-MS) is subject to the successful award of funding through a UKRI Research Infrastructure Renewal Fund bid. Any subsequent procurement activity and contract award will be conditional upon confirmation of funding.

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and was originally published on November 9, 2026. Last refreshed today. Reference: 106399-2026. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About University of Plymouth

University of Plymouth has issued 44 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 2 currently open and 35 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Information & Communication Technology, Education & Training, and General Supplies & Services. All notices are published for United Kingdom. Notices are distributed via UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and UK Contracts Finder. Most recent publication: November 9, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

How can I submit a bid?

Visit UK FTS - Find a Tender Service to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions. Quote reference 106399-2026 when communicating with the contracting authority.

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by University of Plymouth in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.

What type of contract is this?

This is a Supplies contract in the Research & Innovation sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.