NGI Analytical Equipment Framework and FTIR Microscope RFT

Tender description

The establishment of a Framework agreement for the supply of specialised analytical equipment for the deployment and use in the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI). Over the coming years NGI want to increase their capability in carrying out non-invasive and micro-invasive analysis of both organic and inorganic material constituents of paintings, works on paper and other artworks in the NGI collection. For this the NGI will need the necessary equipment to facilitate (amongst other things) the NGI’s scientific research laboratory to inform and support the appropriate conservation and storage strategies for pieces of art in its care, as well as providing information on artists' techniques throughout history. Within this Framework Agreement RFT is included the first mini-competition for the initial supply of a benchtop FTIR microscope that will be used for in-house study and identification of materials in the NGI collection. Beyond the supply of the benchtop FTIR Microscope, the NGI will be hoping to acquire, subject to budgetary approval, the following additional pieces of equipment over the lifetime (4 years, initially) of this Framework agreement: 1. FTIR microscope (included in this tender) 2. Raman microscope 3. Portable FTIR 4. Benchtop scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) While the above matches the current priorities of the NGI team it must be recognised that these needs and budget conditions can change, so the full listing (of items 2-4) is made for the purpose of establishing the appropriate Framework suppliers, but do not constitute a commitment to purchase such items at this time For simplicity in this tender the following lotting will be used: • Lot 1: Membership of the Analytical Equipment Framework • Lot 2: Supply of the benchtop FTIR Microscope