Microscopy & Imaging Equipment
Framework Description
APUC's Microscopy & Imaging Equipment framework (Public Contracts Scotland ref. SEP565327) covers optical microscopes for teaching and research, high-throughput and laser-based imaging, super-resolution systems, detectors and light sources. It has 7 lots. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it runs to 31 August 2029 with an option to extend by 12 months to 31 August 2030. This framework is used by APUC, SUPC and NWUPC.
Context & Use Case
Teaching laboratories use the low-end optical lot to equip classes, while research groups and imaging facilities use the high-end, super-resolution and laser-based lots for advanced work in biology, materials and medicine. Detectors and light sources can be bought separately to upgrade existing systems rather than replacing whole microscopes. Imaging facilities serving several departments are frequent users.
Scope of Services
Optical Microscopes - Low-End (Teaching) Optical Microscopes - High-End (Research) High-throughput Systems Laser-based Imaging Systems and Laser Components Super Resolution and Enhanced Resolution Microscopes Detectors (including Cameras) Light Sources
Lots
Optical Microscopes – Low-End (Teaching); Optical Microscopes – High-End (Research); High-throughput Systems; Laser-based Imaging Systems and Laser Components; Super Resolution and Enhanced Resolution Microscopes; Detectors (including Cameras); Light Sources
Who Can Apply
Suits microscope manufacturers, imaging system integrators, camera and detector makers and light source suppliers. Applications for this framework are closed and it runs to August 2029, so suppliers not appointed have a long wait. The re-tender is likely in 2029, or 2030 if APUC extends.
Buyer Benefits
Separating teaching and research optical microscopes lets institutions buy class sets at appropriate prices without paying for research-grade features. Component lots for detectors and light sources make upgrades cheaper, and specialist lots for super-resolution give research facilities direct access to leading suppliers.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should target imaging facilities and teaching labs planning refreshes, and prepare demonstrations and upgrade offers. Others should read the Public Contracts Scotland notice (SEP565327) to understand last time's criteria, look for subcontracting or distribution partnerships, and plan evidence for a re-tender around 2029.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed suppliers, our quality and pricing responses help win call-offs against other manufacturers on the same lot, with clear win themes on resolution, usability and support.
If you are not on it, the long runway is useful. Our positioning for the re-tender work builds your evidence and finds other imaging frameworks open now, and our long-range bid planning sets priorities across the university market. We also review drafts with a Bid Health Check before they go in.
