The upgrading of a Nikon TIRF microscope.

The procurement is for the upgrading of an existing Nikon TIRF microscope procured in 2018, which is currently included in the NorMIC Imaging Platform at the University of Oslo, Institute of Life Sciences. The existing microscope is in very good technical condition and the contracting authority has assessed that upgrading the existing system is a significantly more cost efficient and resource wise justifiable solution than the procurement of a new microscope system.
The upgrade includes integration of advanced functions for single molecule localisation microscopy as well as photostimulation compatible TIRF technology. The execution requires the use of proprietary components, software and firmware developed by Nikon, as well as intervention in the existing optical and technical system architecture.
The contracting authority has examined the market and assessed whether there are reasonable alternatives or substituteable systems, but concluded that this is not available.
The Contracting Authority considers that the terms for procurement without competition in accordance with the Public Procurement Regulations (FOA) § 13-4 letters b nos. 2 and 3 are fulfilled. There are technical conditions that make competition impossible, partly because:
• The upgrade must be fully compatible with the existing Nikon hardware and software,
• The integration requires access to proprietary technology and manufacturer specific competence,
• Use of another or unauthorised supplier can lead to a risk of loss of functionality, reduced performance as well as loss of warranty and support schemes from the manufacturer.
• There are further grounds connected to sole rights and exclusive rights. Inter Instrument AS is an authorised supplier and service partner for Nikon in Norway
The contracting authority has also assessed whether the need could be met through a competition for new equipment. Market surveys show that a new TIRF system with equivalent capacity will have a cost limit of approx. NOK 5-8 million. Upgrading the existing system will give equivalent functionality at a significantly lower cost and is therefore seen as a proper and effective use of public resources and environmental considerations.