Tender

ThermoChimie Phase 4

NUCLEAR WASTE SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

19 Nov 2025 at 15:59

Planning

13 Nov 2025 at 10:18

Planning

17 Jul 2025 at 12:07

Planning

23 May 2025 at 13:21

Summary of the contracting process

Nuclear Waste Services Limited is currently engaging in the tender process for Phase 4 of the ThermoChimie project, titled "ThermoChimie Phase 4". This initiative, focusing on research and development services, is essential for creating a comprehensive thermodynamic database that supports the safe disposal of radioactive waste. The procurement process, which was most recently detailed on 19th November 2025, is at the tender stage with an application deadline set for 16th December 2025. Located in Calderbridge, Seascale, this project foresees a strategic start date in February 2026 for contract execution. The procurement adopts an open procedure involving both specialist and non-technical support. Key dates also highlight that the award period is expected to conclude by 16th January 2026 with the contract commencing on 1st February 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in research and development, database management, and experimental or analytical services. Companies with expertise in these areas and a strong track record in handling similar projects are well-suited to compete. The open procedure facilitates broader competition, allowing both established firms and SMEs to secure a role in this high-value project, with gross procurement amounts amounting to £2.5 million. Successful contractors will be integral to advancing nuclear waste management solutions, thereby enhancing their industry reputation and expanding their business operations through potential contract renewals and extensions. Interested parties can submit proposals online, and the framework allows flexibility for both direct awards and mini competitions depending on the lot.

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Notice Title

ThermoChimie Phase 4

Notice Description

The ThermoChimie project (Thermo-Chimie (version applicative 4.4.0)) is a thermodynamic database development project, co-funded by Nuclear Waste Services, NIRAS-ONDRAF, and Andra. A robust, traceable, exhaustive, and dependable thermodynamic database is essential for underpinning a future Environmental Safety Case for the surface, near-surface or deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, as well as to perform a range of sensitivity and scoping calculations in support of ongoing research activities. Phase 4 of the ThermoChimie project is planned to start in February 2026. The ThermoChimie Phase 4 Framework has the overall objective of providing both specialist and non-technical support resource to the consortium, in the form of a range of desk-based and experimental data generation/selection activities. Outlined activities are in support of the four key project success factors: (i) database traceability, (ii) consistency, (iii) east of use, and (iv) exhaustivity. ITT documents are available on Atamis: https://atamis-2464.my.site.com/s/Welcome

Lot Information

Lot 1

Secretariat (One Supplier - Direct Award)

Options: Two optional yearly extensions following the original three year durations. These options are at NWS discretion.

Renewal: +1 +1

Lot 2

Lot 2 - Database and Website Management / Maintenance (One Supplier - Direct Award)

Options: Two optional yearly extensions following the original three year durations. These options are at NWS discretion.

Renewal: +1 +1

Lot 3

Lot 3 - Desk Studies: Data Generation, Selection, Assessment and Verification (Multiple Suppliers, Mini Competition)

Options: Two optional yearly extensions following the original three year durations. These options are at NWS discretion.

Renewal: +1 +1

Lot 4

Lot 4 - Experimental Studies: Data Generation, Model Verification (Multiple Suppliers, Mini Competition)

Options: Two optional yearly extensions following the original three year durations. These options are at NWS discretion.

Renewal: +1 +1

Planning Information

Please visit https://atamis-2464.my.site.com/s/Welcome for information on this procurement search for reference C26852. More information is available via the documentation on Atamis.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05230e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075362-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
16 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
14 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 31 Jan 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NUCLEAR WASTE SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Name
Hannah Armstrong
Contact Email
hannah.armstrong@nuclearwasteservices.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CALDERBRIDGE, SEASCALE
Postcode
CA20 1DB
Post Town
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
Gosforth
Westminster Constituency
Whitehaven and Workington

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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