FAAM Aerosol Lidar

1.3 The University wishes to appoint a contractor or Contractors as the UK's FAAM Bae146 atmospheric research aircraft is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade programme.

Part of this includes the replacement of the existing aerosol lidar system on-board the aircraft that will enable national and international research groups to detect aerosol in the atmosphere.

The University of Manchester has been allocated funding from the FAAM Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) programme to complete this project.

The appointed supplier would need to engage with the FAAM facility to integrate the aerosol lidar system; the equipment will be located on the FAAM Bae146 aircraft.

The University of Manchester no longer meets the criteria of a 'body governed by public law' and is therefore not considered a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation.

As a result, the University of Manchester will no longer be subject to the regime contained in The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation with effect from 1 August 2023.

However, as an institution founded for the public good, an exempt charity and an organization in receipt of public funds, the University has a duty to manage expenditure in an appropriate manner and aims to deliver value for money across its non-pay spend by adhering to good procurement practice.