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Prior Information Notice

Servicing and Calibration Services for Advanced Manufacturing and Research Equipment

  • First published: 15 May 2026
  • Last modified: 15 May 2026
  • Version: N/A
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The buyer is not using this website to administer the notice.

To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Contents

Summary

OCID:
Published by:
University of Strathclyde
Authority ID:
AA20484
Publication date:
15 May 2026
Deadline date:
-
Notice type:
Prior Information Notice
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

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.

Full notice text

Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

University of Strathclyde

Learning & Teaching Building, 49 Richmond Street

Glasgow

G1 1XU

UK

Contact person: Nicholas Nixon

E-mail: nicholas.nixon@strath.ac.uk

NUTS: UKM82

Internet address(es)

Main address: http://www.strath.ac.uk/

Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00113

I.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

I.5) Main activity

Education

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

Servicing and Calibration Services for Advanced Manufacturing and Research Equipment

Reference number: UOS-43018-2026

II.1.2) Main CPV code

50000000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

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.

II.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 3 000 000.00  GBP

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

II.2) Description

Lot No: 1

II.2.1) Title

Thermal & Process Equipment

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50530000

50531000

50730000

50430000

50532000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.

Lot No: 2

II.2.1) Title

Heavy Manufacturing & Forming Systems

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50430000

50530000

50531000

50531400

50532000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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 used in large-scale industrial manufacturing operations.

Scope:

Covers large-scale mechanical and hydraulic systems involving high-force processing, deformation, forming, forging, pressing, rolling, or controlled movement of heavy materials and components. Includes associated lifting, transfer, and handling equipment directly supporting manufacturing operations.

Applies to equipment used for bulk material processing, high-load mechanical operations, structural forming, and movement of large or heavy workpieces within manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial processing environments.

Includes categories:

Forging / Forming / Deformation Processing

Forging Presses & Radial Forging Machines

Flow Forming, Rolling & Heavy Press Systems

Hydraulic & Mechanical Forming Equipment

Composite & Structural Forming Presses

Heavy Industrial Ovens & Process Equipment Associated with Forming Operations

Material Handling / Lifting

Overhead Cranes & Hoisting Systems

Forklifts, Pallet Handling & Transfer Systems

Scissor Lifts & Heavy Positioning Equipment

Production-Linked Lifting & Manipulation Systems

Heavy Duty Hydraulic Support Systems and Ancillary Equipment

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised

Lot No: 3

II.2.1) Title

Precision Manufacturing Systems

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50430000

50530000

50531000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

This lot will include:

Servicing and calibration of precision manufacturing equipment used for subtractive, additive, hybrid, and finishing operations associated with high-value component manufacture and prototype development.

Scope:

Covers equipment used for precision part manufacture, material removal, additive layer deposition, hybrid manufacturing, component finishing, and associated post-processing operations. Includes CNC machining systems, EDM equipment, laser processing systems, additive manufacturing platforms, machine-integrated automation, and specialist finishing or cleaning equipment directly supporting manufacturing processes.

Applies to equipment where dimensional accuracy, repeatability, surface integrity, or controlled manufacturing processes are critical to component production, research, prototyping, or low-volume manufacture.

Includes categories:

Machining (Subtractive Manufacturing)

CNC Milling, Turning & Multi-Axis Systems

EDM, Laser Cutting & Precision Material Processing

Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Metal & Polymer AM Systems

Hybrid Manufacturing Systems

AM Powder Handling & Depowdering Equipment

Composite & Advanced Material Processing Equipment

Cleaning / Post-Processing

Surface Finishing, Polishing & Blasting Systems

Precision Cutting, Grinding & Sawing Equipment

Machine Tooling, Rotary Tables & Workholding Systems

Machine-Integrated Cooling & Process Support Systems"

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.

Lot No: 4

II.2.1) Title

Joining, Robotics & Automation

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50430000

50530000

50531000

50324100

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.

Lot No: 5

II.2.1) Title

Metrology, Testing & Instrumentation

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50410000

50344000

50421200

50530000

50531000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

This lot will include:

Servicing, calibration and verification of measurement, inspection, analytical, monitoring, and material testing systems used for research, manufacturing validation, quality assurance, and process verification.

Scope:

Covers all equipment used to measure, inspect, validate, monitor, characterise, record, or analyse materials, components, products, processes, or environmental conditions. Includes dimensional metrology systems, analytical laboratory instrumentation, calibration equipment and artefacts, sensors, data acquisition hardware, and mechanical/electrical testing systems.

Applies to standalone measurement and testing assets used for quality control, R&D, inspection, certification, condition monitoring, laboratory analysis, and standards verification, including associated software, probes, detectors, fixtures, and instrumentation interfaces.

Includes categories:

Metrology / Inspection / Calibration

Coordinate Measuring & Optical Measurement Systems

Surface & Dimensional Measurement Equipment

Calibration Standards & Artefacts

Materials Testing & Analysis

Mechanical, Fatigue & Hardness Testing Systems

Thermal Analysis & Characterisation Equipment

Analytical & Laboratory Instrumentation

Sensors / Instrumentation / DAQ

Electrical & Electronic Test Equipment

Environmental & Process Monitoring Instrumentation

Data Acquisition, Logging & Signal Conditioning Systems

NDT & Condition Monitoring Systems

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.

Lot No: 6

II.2.1) Title

Facilities, EHS & Site Support Systems

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

50000000

50530000

50532400

50711000

50712000

50532000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82


Main site or place of performance:

University of Strathclyde

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

This lot will include:

Servicing of site-wide infrastructure, environmental control, safety systems, utilities, and general support equipment required to maintain safe, compliant, and operational research, laboratory, workshop, and manufacturing environments.

Scope:

Covers non-process-specific systems and support infrastructure that enable safe operation, environmental compliance, personnel protection, and facility functionality across the site. Includes building services, environmental management systems, extraction and ventilation systems not directly integrated into manufacturing processes, storage and handling infrastructure, utility distribution equipment, and general site support assets.

Applies to equipment primarily supporting facilities operation, health & safety, environmental control, occupational hygiene, storage, or general workplace functionality rather than direct production or manufacturing activity.

Includes categories:

Safety / Environmental Systems

LEV & General Ventilation Systems

Fume Cupboards & Air Handling (non-process specific)

Gas Detection & Monitoring Systems

Storage & Environmental Control

Utilities / Infrastructure (non-process systems)

Compressed Air & Site Utility Systems

Electrical Infrastructure & General Power Distribution

Facility Support Equipment

General / Uncategorized

Welfare, Laboratory & Non-Production Support Equipment

II.2.14) Additional information

Please note that the proposed lot structure remains under review and may be subject to revision as the procurement approach is finalised.

II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

30/06/2026

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information

Please note, the lot structure is still to be confirmed, and is therefore subject to change.

The University of Strathclyde may conduct further market engagement with interested parties. As such, all interested parties must register

their interest no later than the 29 May 2026.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=831620.

(SC Ref:831620)

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

14/05/2026

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
50000000 Repair and maintenance services Other Services
50531000 Repair and maintenance services for non-electrical machinery Repair and maintenance services of machinery
50730000 Repair and maintenance services of cooler groups Repair and maintenance services of building installations
50531400 Repair and maintenance services of cranes Repair and maintenance services for non-electrical machinery
50711000 Repair and maintenance services of electrical building installations Repair and maintenance services of electrical and mechanical building installations
50532400 Repair and maintenance services of electrical distribution equipment Repair and maintenance services of electrical machinery, apparatus and associated equipment
50532000 Repair and maintenance services of electrical machinery, apparatus and associated equipment Repair and maintenance services of machinery
50530000 Repair and maintenance services of machinery Repair and maintenance services for pumps, valves, taps and metal containers and machinery
50410000 Repair and maintenance services of measuring, testing and checking apparatus Repair and maintenance services of medical and precision equipment
50712000 Repair and maintenance services of mechanical building installations Repair and maintenance services of electrical and mechanical building installations
50344000 Repair and maintenance services of optical equipment Repair and maintenance services of audio-visual and optical equipment
50430000 Repair and maintenance services of precision equipment Repair and maintenance services of medical and precision equipment
50421200 Repair and maintenance services of X-ray equipment Repair and maintenance services of medical equipment
50324100 System maintenance services Support services of personal computers

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
nicholas.nixon@strath.ac.uk
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

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