Research consultancy services

Tender description

UKSBS on behalf of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) who is looking for a supplier who can provide the services of a mid-range facility in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for 3 years with an option to extend to 5 years. The range of provision will be on a national level and will include research into the chemical composition and electronic structure of surfaces for a variety of technological applications from biomaterials to semiconductor physics. The facility must be able to clearly demonstrate the capability to fulfil the technical specification including but not limited to, providing leading expertise, technical support and training (where required) and instrumentation in XPS, a suitable user relationship with the facility, provision for sample preparation, handling, storage and an appropriate sample environment. The successful bidder will also have a costed access plan, risk management and staff training model. The facility will be an integral part of the research needs of the Engineering and Physical Sciences community, therefore long term sustainability and a charging model will also need to be considered carefully by the future facility.