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Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Plutonium Powders - Installation and commissioning of equipment in Central Laboratory

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

12 May 2026 at 15:35

Tender Notice
Award

14 Mar 2023 at 13:51

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), based in Cumbria, UK, is seeking to procure services related to the installation and commissioning of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) equipment for the treatment of plutonium powders at Sellafield's Central Laboratory. Classified under "Research and experimental development services," this procurement falls within the service category and involves a complex and innovative requirement. The project, first addressed in a contract award dated 13th March 2023, has since reached the tender update stage on 12th May 2026, reflecting the project's inherent complexity and evolving scope. Initially, the project's budget was adjusted from £8.8 million to £16.999 million, acknowledging the unique risks associated with First of a Kind (FOAK) nuclear facilities. The procurement process proceeded via a limited method, recognising NNL's unique qualifications and the necessity of certain services that fall outside the standard application of public procurement directives.

This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses with capabilities in advanced research and development, particularly those specialising in materials science, nuclear facility operations, and hazardous material handling. Special emphasis on quality and efficiency in dealing with hazardous materials suggests that businesses active in these fields and with a track record of innovation and safety compliance would be well-suited to participate. Companies involved in the construction of research and testing facilities, specialty design services, and the management of radioactive waste can benefit significantly, leveraging this opportunity to showcase their expertise on a pivotal project that could lead to future contracts with the NDA, especially in next-generation nuclear technology development.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Plutonium Powders - Installation and commissioning of equipment in Central Laboratory

Notice Description

This requirement is for the following: The development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for i installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.

Lot Information

Lot 1

This requirement is for the following: The development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for i installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.

Procurement Information

This service is for the development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders samples required for this testing are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for the installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.<br/><br/>The powder samples required for the testing of the HIP equipment can only be obtained at the Central Lab at Sellafield, which is operated by NNL. The HIP equipment will be operated by NNL in their Central Laboratory under a future contract.<br/><br/>NNL are the sole operators in the Central Lab and have the expertise to complete this requirement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043561-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

09 - Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy

45 - Construction work

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

CPV Codes

09342000 - Plutonium

45214620 - Research and testing facilities construction work

71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis

71318000 - Advisory and consultative engineering services

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73110000 - Research services

79723000 - Waste analysis services

79930000 - Specialty design services

90520000 - Radioactive-, toxic-, medical- and hazardous waste services

90521000 - Radioactive waste treatment services

90521500 - Packaging of radioactive waste

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£8,800,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 May 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
13 Mar 20233 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CUMBRIA
Postcode
CA24 3HU
Postcode Area
Carlisle
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Egremont North and St Bees
Westminster Constituency
Whitehaven and Workington

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

National Nuclear Laboratory

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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