Contactless rheometry units

Tampere University Foundation sr (Tampere University, TAU) is about to execute a direct award procurement for 'Contactless rheometry units'. In total of four (4) units will be purchased, by two faculties of the procurement authority. Contracting authority estimates that price range of procurement is €135 000 - 140 000 (excluding VAT).

According to the section 40 of the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts 1397/2016 a contracting entity may opt for direct procurement if only a certain supplier can implement the procurement for a technical reason, or for a reason related to protecting an exclusive right. It shall be a further condition that there are no reasonable alternatives or substitute solutions, and that the absence of competition is not due to an artificial narrowing of the terms and conditions of the procurement. Contracting authority conducted a thorough market survey based on criteria as follows: 1) Contactless and Non-invasive measurement of samples: A process in which there is no direct contact with the sample, which allow long-term, non-destructive measurement of a range of materials. 2) In situ measurements: The units allow continuous measurements of samples in their native environment. 3) Units can handle sterile samples including biological samples: The units allow samples to be prepared and measured under sterile cell culture conditions for long-term monitoring of cell-material interactions. 4) Photothermal stimulation: The units offer a range of thermal and photo-controlled stimulation in a modular way. Conclusion based on the market survey is that only Rheolution is considered able to sell units that fulfill the criteria.