Award

UKRI-5015 HiLUX ULTRA Laser Phase 2

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

ContractAmendment

21 Oct 2025 at 07:22

UK10 - Contract Change Notice
Award

14 Oct 2025 at 14:35

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

09 Jun 2025 at 15:05

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

09 Jun 2025 at 11:05

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has initiated a procurement process titled "UKRI-5015 HiLUX ULTRA Laser Phase 2", under the industry category of lasers, aiming to enhance their current system with upgraded Pharos-UP capabilities. The project involves the procurement of a laser system featuring optical parametric amplifiers and a synchronisation module to support the HiLUX project. The buying organisation, UKRI, based in Swindon, Wiltshire, falls under the central government public authority classification. The procurement process progressed through a direct award method, owing to the technical compatibility requirements, and it reached the contract amendment stage on 21st October 2025. The contract, initially signed on 15th July 2025, is valued at approximately £466,008.90 with a completion period extending to March 2026. Photonic Solutions Ltd, located in Edinburgh, has been identified as the supplier capable of meeting the specific technical and operational demands of this project.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, especially for companies capable of delivering high-precision laser systems in tight schedules while ensuring full integration with existing frameworks. Businesses specialising in optical technology, particularly those offering bespoke laser solutions with high-frequency capabilities, would be well-positioned to compete for such government tenders. As a direct award, the opportunity for new entrants is limited due to the project's technical specificity; however, it underlines the importance of maintaining cutting-edge technology and robust client relations for potential future negotiations and contracts. The engagement with a large-scale supplier like Photonic Solutions Ltd demonstrates the value placed on expertise and risk minimisation in complex scientific equipment procurements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5015 HiLUX ULTRA Laser Phase 2

Notice Description

UK Research and Innovation have a requirement for a laser system, including optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) and a synchronisation module, to support the HiLUX project.

Procurement Information

To ensure full compatibility, reduce risk, and maintain project continuity, the system must be identical in design and functionality. A new supplier would require significant redevelopment of drivers and software, increasing cost and delays. Photonics Solutions is the only supplier able to meet the technical, operational, and schedule requirements without introducing additional risk to the HiLUX programme. This direct award is therefore justified on the grounds of technical compatibility.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-054532
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066924-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK10 - Contract Change Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38636100 - Lasers

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£379,850 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£379,850 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
15 Jul 2025 - 25 Mar 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Additional Buyers

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Contact Name
STFC Procurement
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
01793 442000

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PHOTONIC SOLUTIONS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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