The universities (university of Turku and Åbo Akademi University) are purchasing an extra component (Objective AMS-AGY v3 NA >0.99, FOV 0.5mm FL 7.2mm and corresponding tube lens and fittings) for the existing instrument, the single-objective light sheet "CB2" microscope with laser launch and accessories. The extra component will be purchased from the original supplier and is intended to expand the previous delivery. The component is to minimise loss of light collection and resolution at the “O3” position in the optical system. This requires a custom-built objective that is only available through ASI. The contract for the extra component will be concluded less than three years after the contract for the actual instrument.

More detailed background information

On 7 June 2024, the universities signed a contract with Applied Scientific Instrumentation Inc (ASI) for the purchase of the single-objective light sheet "CB2" microscope with laser launch and accessories. Prior to the purchase, an EU-wide direct procurement notice was published in TED on 7 May 2024 (269334-2024). The published direct procurement notice included the extra component purchase in question as an option in more detail in the section on Description of additional equipment purchase possibilities in the notice. The option section described the upcoming optics update, which is what the extra component purchase is about. AMS-AGY is only available through ASI.

The total value of the purchase was stated in the direct procurement notice as 305,000 euros (VAT 0%), which also included a provision for the option. This additional acquisition will thus implement the option in accordance with the published direct procurement notice.