Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table for COMPASS (Composites at Speed and Scale) Facility

The University of Sheffield wishes to invite tenders for a 'Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table' on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Castings Group at Catcliffe, South Yorkshire.

Scope of Requirement

The AMRC has recently won HICOMS funding for an 'automated, large scale composites manufacturing centre', to create large scale composite component, to support global composite manufacturing companies and end users. This includes a 'fully automated layup and consolidation cell' which will require a 'Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table' which is electric (rather than gas) powered.

Within the 'fully automated layup and consolidation cell' the 'Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table' will sit alongside a variety of other equipment, and will be in close proximity to the following:-

-High Volume Deposition Cell - including Robot arms and guide rails

-Press

-Resin Injection Unit

-Consolidation Station

The procured 'Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table' will be used regularly to cure a range of large epoxy resin-based composite materials (which could include other resin matrices such as cyanate ester and BMI) occasionally under vacuum conditions (exact conditions to be discussed in due course) for the aerospace sector.

Key dates: The building that will host the 'automated large-scale composite manufacturing centre' will be brand new, and the keys to the facility are expected to be formally signed off and handed to the AMRC in January 2025 (subject to confirmation).

It is anticipated that the 'Large Composites Curing Oven and Oven Feed-In Table' is required ready for installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing by the end of June 2025. The successful tenderer will be expected to work under guidance and instruction of the University's nominated lead contractors (under CDM regulations/requirements).

In summary the design, build, Delivery, Installation/Commissioning/Acceptance Testing (FAT and SAT), Training, documentation (in English), warranty and annual service/maintenance (based on estimated annual usage of 500-1000 hours) are to be provided by the successful tenderer.

Tender Process and Documentation:

This procurement is an open procedure

The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing your interest on the University`s e-tendering system in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield ↗

If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield ↗

Completed tenders must be returned through the same e-tendering system.

Closing date for receipt of tenders: 21st June 2024 at 12:00 noon (UK time)

Additional information: All expressions of interest must be made through The University of Sheffield's e-tendering portal:

www.in-tendhost.co.uk/sheffield/ ↗

This is an open-tender exercise . The ITT can be downloaded by registering and expressing an interest on The University of Sheffield's e-tendering system:-

www.in-tendhost.co.uk/sheffield/ ↗

If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted by the In-Tend system. This can be accessed at www.in-tendhost.co.uk/sheffield/ ↗

Completed tenders must be returned through the same e-tendering system.

Closing date for receipt of tenders is - Friday 21st June 2024 at 12 noon (UK time)

Please note:

The University of Sheffield is not a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU) as amended by the Public Procurement (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

The University reserves the right from time to time to voluntarily operate under the Public Contract Regulations (as defined above) on a case by case basis. Otherwise, advertisement of any contract in Find a Tender Service or Contracts Finder is at the sole discretion of the University and is undertaken on a voluntary basis with no implied obligation to comply with the procurement legislation.

For the avoidance of doubt, this procurement is not subject to the Public Contract Regulations (as defined above).

Delivery notes:-

Delivery (plus installation/commissioning/acceptance) to AMRC Factory 2050, Europa Avenue, Tinsley, Sheffield, S9 1ZA