Portable Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer - AWARD

English Heritage Conservation Science team are seeking to procure portable FTIR spectroscopy to supplement the existing Bruker Alpha spectrometer. This will supplement existing equipment to analyse historic collections in situ, at English Heritage sites across the country. The English Heritage collection spans from prehistoric to modern materials, with a large archaeological collection and archive, as well as fine and decorative arts, and social history. Analysis of these materials helps identify the materials present and any deterioration products, but also understand the impact of the environmental on the collections. FTIR spectroscopy will be used to analyze glass, metal corrosion products, pigments, soluble salts and polymers both in situ and on removed samples in the laboratory.

The supplier is expected to supply and install the FTIR spectroscopy system, give appropriate training and support, and to be able to maintain the system over a number of years (minimum 5 years for parts). Tendered prices should include equipment purchase price, delivery to English Heritage, installation, training and minimum one year warranty. It should also include, itemized separately, the optional costs of maintenance contracts for the system, for one, two and three year periods after expiry of the warranty.