GB-London: Digital Microscope and Related Services

The V&A wishes to procure a digital microscope for the Science Section, for the investigation of a wide variety of samples and three-dimensional objects from across the museum collections.

The instrument chosen will be a 'turn-key' system and all hardware, firmware and software costs must be included in your tender return. In addition a one-year statutory warranty plus an additional four years of preventive maintenance should be included in the total cost. The intended applications for the instrument are best described as 'forensic applications' due to the wide ranging nature of potential objects and samples. For this reason it is anticipated that the instrument chosen would be of research grade.

The instrument will be used in proximity of 13 amp, 240 volt AC, 50 Hz supply, in a non-air conditioned laboratory or in the museum galleries and multiple sites.

Tenders may provide options or alternative quotes.

Please note that the budget is not confirmed and the award of contract is subject to the V&A receiving the AHRC CapCo funding.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.