FIB-SEM microscope upgrade of software and manipulator

Tampere University Foundation sr (Tampere University, TAU) is about to execute a direct award procurement of 'FIB-SEM microscope upgrade, consisting of software and manipulator'. Contracting authority estimates that procurement is worth €145 000 - 150 000 (excl. VAT).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Tampere Microscopy Center is a university level infrastructure unit at the Tampere University. We provide various electron microscopy and materials characterization techniques for our users and aim to constantly develop our available techniques to best serve the research community. Recently a increased demand has been noticed for our Focused Ion Beam microscope (FIB), especially for preparation of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) samples. Contracting authority (university) is looking to upgrade Carl Zeiss Crossbeam 540 FIBSEM that was installed in 2014. The upgrade will include a new manipulator, new computer and software upgrade. NEED The TEM sample preparation is a challenging and time-consuming process. The manipulator to be acquired will be Omniprobe OP400 with cartesian movement to improve automatization of TEM sample preparation. For our intended use in a multi-user environment, it is essential that the purchased manipulator is highly integrated in to the microscope operating software. The computer and software upgrade will include the SmartSem operating system to run the Crossbeam microscope and Atlas 5 software to allow new functionalities to improve automated imagie acquisition and improvements for 3D tomography. The original computer (from 2014) is in need of replacement and the new SmartSem software will be more efficient in e.g. running the ion beam source. MARKET ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD According to the section 41 of the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016) a contracting entity may opt for direct procurement if purpose of an additional order is to partially replace or expand functionalities for existing equipment or delivery. It shall be a further condition that a change of supplier regarding the originally set up equipment or delivery would lead to incompatibility or to significant problems in use and maintenance. In initial discussions with Oxford Instruments, they proposed acquiring the Omniprobe through Carl Zeiss as the installation will be carried out by Carl Zeiss. Thus – due to technical compatibility issues – contracting authority considers only Carl Zeiss as a possible supplier.