Dimensional measurements instrument

This opportunity is a pre-information notice from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) indicating a planned procurement for a dimensional measurements instrument needed by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI). The purpose of this instrument is to significantly reduce measurement uncertainty in the assessment of photovoltaic (PV) device efficiency, aiming for a ten-fold reduction in area measurement uncertainty.

The call identifier for this procurement is EC-JRC/IPR/2025/LVP/5624-EXA, categorized as a supply contract under the CPV code 38000000, which pertains to laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. This procurement is aimed at suppliers capable of providing the necessary equipment to enhance ESTI's measurement capabilities, thus contributing to the laboratory's ongoing assessments of world record efficiency PV devices.

The planned procurement will be conducted as a negotiated procedure for a middle or low value contract, though no specific budget amount is provided. The maximum contract duration will be six months, with key dates including the start of the expression of interest on October 24, 2025, and the deadline for expressing interest by November 8, 2025. The indicative date for the launch of the full procedure is November 10, 2025.

Eligible applicants for this tender include commercial suppliers of laboratory equipment and precision measurement instruments, though it is noted that the opportunity is not marked as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Interested suppliers must submit their proposals electronically, and a Q&A section is available for clarifications regarding the procurement.

This announcement is not a formal call for tenders but an early notification allowing potential bidders to prepare for the upcoming procurement process. The EC-JRC intends to uphold high standards in renewable energy research and development through this procurement, ensuring that ESTI maintains its position as a leading facility for PV testing and assessment in Europe.

This is a pre-information notice, not a call for tenders. It announces the European Commission, DG JRC Joint Research Centre's intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure.

The procedure identifier is EC-JRC/IPR/2025/LVP/5624-EXA.

The subject of the planned call for tenders is a dimensional measurements instrument.

Description: The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI), an accredited laboratory for assessing world record efficiency PV devices, aims to reduce its measurement uncertainty of the area to improve its measurement capability for efficiency. To achieve this, a tool to precisely measure the dimensions of very small devices is needed. A ten-fold reduction of the uncertainty for the measurement of area is expected.

The procedure type is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. The estimated total value is not specified.

The main classification (CPV) code is 38000000 Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses).

The nature of the contract is supplies.

The maximum contract duration is 6 months.

There is no framework agreement.

Milestones:
Start date for expression of interest: 2025-10-24 Europe/Brussels
Deadline for expression of interest: 08/11/2025 06:59 Europe/Rome
Indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure: 2025-11-10 Europe/Rome

Expression of interest:
Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given below.
Method of expression of interest: Electronic
Address for expression of interest: Express interest

A question and answer section is available.

A frequently asked question is: Where can I find the procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA' in the reference? The answer is: References that feature an ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders. They are a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intent to launch in the future a low or middle negotiated procedure. This was published on 03/10/2024 17:32.

In summary, this is a pre-information notice from the European Commission, DG JRC, announcing a future negotiated procurement procedure for a dimensional measurement instrument. The instrument is needed by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) to improve the accuracy of its photovoltaic device efficiency measurements by reducing the uncertainty in area measurements. The contracting authority intends to launch a negotiated procedure for a low or middle value contract. Companies interested in this opportunity should express their interest electronically by the specified deadline. The actual call for tenders will be published at a later date. This notice serves as an early announcement to allow potential bidders to prepare.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the procurement for laboratory equipment, it is likely that eligible applicants would include companies (SMEs and large enterprises) that supply laboratory, optical, and precision equipment. Research institutes and universities could also be eligible if they have the capacity to supply the required equipment.

Funding Type: This is a planned call for tenders, specifically a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. Therefore, the funding type is procurement.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not specify whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. It is likely that both single applicants and consortia could be eligible, but this would need to be confirmed when the full call for tenders is published.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The opportunity does not explicitly state the geographic eligibility. However, since it is published by the European Commission, DG JRC, it is highly likely that the geographic eligibility includes at least the EU member states. It may also be open to EEA countries or other countries with agreements with the EU.

Target Sector: The target sector is laboratory equipment, optical and precision equipment. More specifically, it relates to the measurement of photovoltaic (PV) devices.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The relevant region is the European Union, as the contracting authority is the European Commission, DG JRC.

Project Stage: The project stage relates to the supply of equipment. Therefore, it is not directly related to a project stage in the traditional sense (research, development, etc.). Instead, it focuses on the procurement of a tool to improve measurement capabilities.

Funding Amount: The opportunity is described as a "planned negotiated procedure for middle/low value contract," but the estimated total value is not specified. This suggests the funding amount is likely under €200k, and possibly even under €50k, but this is speculative.

Application Type: The application type will be a negotiated procedure. The first step is to express interest electronically.

Nature of Support: The nature of support is money, in exchange for the supply of the dimensional measurements instrument.

Application Stages: Based on the information provided, there are at least two stages: expressing interest and then participating in the negotiated procedure. There may be further stages within the negotiated procedure itself. Therefore, the application stages are 2 or more.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided information. Negotiated procedures typically involve a limited number of pre-selected candidates, so the success rate for those invited to negotiate may be relatively high, but the initial pool of interested parties may be much larger.

Co-funding Requirement: The opportunity does not mention any co-funding requirement. It is likely that no co-funding is required, but this would need to be confirmed in the full call for tenders.

Summary: This opportunity is a pre-announcement for a future negotiated procurement procedure by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The JRC, specifically its ESTI laboratory, is seeking to procure a dimensional measurements instrument. This instrument is needed to reduce the measurement uncertainty of the area of photovoltaic (PV) devices, thereby improving the laboratory's measurement capability for efficiency assessments. The JRC aims to achieve a ten-fold reduction in the uncertainty for area measurements. The procedure will be a negotiated one for a middle/low value contract. Companies interested in supplying laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, particularly those with experience in dimensional measurements, should express their interest electronically starting on 2025-10-24, with a deadline of 08/11/2025. The indicative date for the launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-11-10. It is important to note that this announcement is not a call for tenders, but rather a notification of the JRC's intention to launch a procurement procedure in the future. Interested parties should monitor the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for the publication of the full call for tenders. The contract duration is expected to be a maximum of 6 months.