1. Introduction and summary

1.1. The microscope system covered by this specification is intended to provide the Quantitative Cell Biology group at the MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre unit (MRC-CSC) in London with an high-speed, high content screening wide-field cell imaging system.

1.2. The wide-field system will be used in the group for simultaneously monitoring a variety of biosensors (including cell cycle markers and FRET-based activity sensors).

1.3. The contractor will supply, deliver, position, install, test and commission the microscope setup at the MRC-CSC, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.

1.4. The contractor is also expected to provide training for users within the Quantitative Cell Biology group.

1.5. The microscope set up covered by this specification will provide the Quantitative Cell Biology group with an easy-to-use, modular system for a wide variety of research applications.

1.6. The instrument is expected to be used to conduct research on fixed-cell as well as long-term live-cell experiments.

1.7. The expectation is that a purchase order will be placed until February 2014 for delivery no later than the 31.3.2014 into the MRC-CSC-Clinical Research Building (room 2013).

1.8. The microscope system will be subjected to acceptance criteria testing during a period of four weeks (see heading number 5 (five) – Delivery and Installation section – for pass/fail criteria).

1.9. Within this specification certain performance criteria are described; where criteria are essential is stated. However, if multiple solutions are available for any criteria, we would like them to be stated and quoted in the tender. In the case where criteria cannot be met we ask that the best that can be achieved be quoted.

1.10. The MRC-CSC invites offers for the instrument described in this tender.