Find a TenderAwarded without competition

Published 12 Nov 2026, 11:08 GMT

Official UK procurement notice

AP-MALDI UHR Imaging Source

Official notice

Authority: University Of Edinburgh (Education)

GoodsAward procedure without prior publication of a call for competition

Sectors: Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) (38) Delivery: Scotland (UKM75)

Awarded value£101,780published contract · exc. VAT

Awarded 11 Nov 2026no call for competition

Awarded to KR Analytical Ltd

Notice summaryFrom the published notice

The University of Edinburgh is seeking to award KR Analytical Ltd the contract for the purchase of a MassTech Atmospheric Pressure Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Ultra High Resolution Source (AP-MALDI UHR). The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is required to provide high-resolution tissue-imaging capability (5–20 µm) on the University's existing Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240 and Orbitrap Stellar mass spectrometers. The system provides the specialist functionality required for molecular tissue imaging, including controlled tissue scanning, a small laser spot, optical sample observation and synchronised data acquisition to facilitate the reconstruction of molecular images.

What is being bought

Published requirement description

CPV: Mass spectrometer

Open work like this

This notice no longer takes bids · live search, filters set

Open tenders from University Of EdinburghSearch filtered to this authority Open tenders in Detection and analysis apparatusSearch filtered to CPV 3843 Contracts ending in Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)Retender Radar, CPV 38: incumbents and end dates for the next 12 months

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · no lot value published

Lot #1The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is required to provide high-resolution tissue-imaging…

The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is required to provide high-resolution tissue-imaging capability (5–20 µm) on the University's existing Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240 and Orbitrap Stellar mass spectrometers. It is the only source identified as compatible with the existing instruments' ion interfaces, acquisition controls and operating software, enabling seamless integration with established workflows.

The system provides the specialist functionality required for molecular tissue imaging, including controlled tissue scanning, a small laser spot, optical sample observation and synchronised data acquisition to facilitate the reconstruction of molecular images. Its interchangeable design also allows the Exploris 240 to retain its existing LC-MS functionality when the MALDI source is not in use.

No alternative solution has been identified that meets the combined technical, compatibility and integration requirements of the proposed application. The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is therefore considered the only currently identified solution capable of meeting the University's immediate requirements.

Delivery: Scotland · The University of Edinburgh

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast

Awards 1

Awarded value £101,7801 contract exc. VAT

Contracts signed 1latest 11 Nov 2026

Awarded to	Value	Date	Status
KR Analytical LtdSME	£101,780 †	—	Awarded

Contracts

Contract 107457-2026-NCA21432-1 · KR Analytical LtdSME
Signed
11 Nov 2026
Value
£101,780
Status
active

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record · publisher note attached

Procedure method: Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Legal basis: CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category: Goods
Notice status: Awarded without competition
Procurement threshold: Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime: Standard
Commercial structure: Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type: Direct award (no call for competition)
GPA / WTO covered: Unspecified in notice
Recurring procurement: Unspecified in notice
First published: 12 Nov 2026, 11:08 GMT
Last source update: 12 Nov 2026, 11:08 GMT
Authority reference: NCA21432
FTS notice number: 2026/S 000-107457
Classification (CPV): Mass spectrometer
Delivery area: Scotland (UKM75)
Official registry OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-07ba53 Find a Tender

Why no open competition: The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive
Published justification: The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is required to provide high-resolution tissue-imaging capability (5–20 µm) on the University's existing Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240 and Orbitrap Stellar mass spectrometers. It is the only source identified as compatible with the existing instruments' ion interfaces, acquisition controls and operating software, enabling seamless integration with established workflows.
The system provides the specialist functionality required for molecular tissue imaging, including controlled tissue scanning, a small laser spot, optical sample observation and synchronised data acquisition to facilitate the reconstruction of molecular images. Its interchangeable design also allows the Exploris 240 to retain its existing LC-MS functionality when the MALDI source is not in use.
No alternative solution has been identified that meets the combined technical, compatibility and integration requirements of the proposed application. The MassTech AP-MALDI UHR is therefore considered the only currently identified solution capable of meeting the University's immediate requirements.

Publisher note: (SC Ref:848154)

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

University Of Edinburgh

Contracting authorityEducationBody governed by public lawEducation Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1HTContact name, email, phone

Dispute resolution & review bodies

Edinburgh Sheriff CourtReview body Edinburgh

Bidders & participating suppliers

1 commercial party on the notice

KR Analytical LtdAwarded supplier 77 Forge Fields, Sandbach, UK, CW11 3RNContact email, phone

Official documents & specifications

Official links; attachments are not copied

No document links were published on the notice.