Radio equipment

Tender description

The Contracting Authority require to purchase an RF Amplifier. The ISIS Facility, sited at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), is the world’s most productive pulsed neutron source. Intense bursts of neutrons are produced at 20 mS intervals when a heavy metal target is bombarded by a high-energy (800 MeV) proton beam from a synchrotron accelerator releasing neutrons by the process of spallation. An R&D programme is currently underway to develop an RF volume-type H– source. The pulsed plasma in this type of ion source will be sustained by inductively-coupling to it high power (100 kW) RF at around 2 MHz. As well as low frequency and high pulsed power, high reliability and efficiency are important for use on an operational accelerator facility. The proposed RF ion source (and its amplifier) will require pulses of RF centred on a frequency of around 2 MHz and up to 100 kW peak power. To suit accelerator requirements, a pulse repetition rate of 50 Hz and RF pulse width of 1 millisecond is required from the amplifier. Therefore the minimum required duty factor is 5.0 %. The proposed amplifier unit should use solid-state technology and be enclosed within one or more standard 19 inch cabinet footprints. It will perform within the operating parameters listed below. Its ‘interlocks’, both internal and external, will afford protection to operators, itself and down-stream equipment. Status will be displayed such that its operational mode is clear and fault finding is logically guided. A level of redundancy is to be incorporated that will permit continued operation at reduced power. For example, if an amplifier module fails, the amplifier should be able to continue operating at a lower output power, with the affected module disabled. It would also be beneficial to incorporate ‘hot-swap’ technology, so disabled modules can be removed and replaced whilst the amplifier remains powered. All submissions will be assessed in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, for procurement values that exceed Regulation 5 (Threshold amounts). This procurement will be managed electronically via the Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite. To participate in this procurement, participants shall first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite. If Bidders have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/emptoris by following the link ‘Supplier eSourcing Registration’. Please note that, to register, Bidders must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so. Note: registration may take some time please ensure that you allow a sufficient amount of time to register. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esourcing-tool-guidance-for-suppliers Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk Your email must clearly state: — the name and reference II.2.5) Award criteria for the procurement you wish to register for, — your organisations full name as a registered supplier, — the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. As a user oft he e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information applicable to this opportunity. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk (Not UK SBS Ltd). Freephone: 0345 010 3503 email: eenablement@crowncommercial.gov.uk Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/supplier.aspx Responses must be received by the date in IV.2.2). Responses received outside or concurrently using the eSourcing process will not be accepted or considered further for this opportunity.