Award

Open Air Diffusion Bonding Technology

UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

20 Aug 2025 at 13:12

Summary of the contracting process

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, a public authority in central government, has completed a direct award procurement process titled "Open Air Diffusion Bonding Technology". This initiative focuses on advancing fusion technology by manufacturing large-scale tungsten components without the need for vacuum conditions. The project, located at Culham Science Centre in Abingdon, United Kingdom, is tied to the research and experimental development services category. The direct procurement method stemmed from the existing patent held by Imperial College London, ensuring the best value due to their prior involvement. The key dates for this process include a significant decision on 20th August 2025 and contract activities from 2nd September 2025 to 31st March 2026.

This tender provides distinct opportunities for innovative businesses specialising in industrial applications of fusion technology. The project's emphasis on a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing method could attract companies dealing with manufacturing, engineering, and high-tech research sectors. Due to the project's focus and the unique position of the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine as a supplier, businesses with strong technical expertise and a background in managing intellectual property could significantly benefit. Such businesses might engage in partnerships to leverage the outcomes of this development for further technological advancements or commercial applications.

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Notice Title

Open Air Diffusion Bonding Technology

Notice Description

The open-air diffusion bonding technology presents a unique approach to manufacture of large-scale tungsten components. Unlike both traditional and advanced methods, this technique eliminates the need for vacuum conditions or tightly controlled atmospheres, thereby offering a more scalable and cost-effective solution for industrial applications. 7-month project for continuation of technical work that will further the Intellectual Property application related to open air diffusion bonding technology for fusion application.

Procurement Information

Imperial College London hold the initial patent (P78409GB) on the technology under consideration and have carried out technology development work on the process for fusion (STEP) application (FY 24-25) under the Manufacturing Framework (project ID: MFFW034). To work directly with ICL is considered the best-value option due to the pre-existing foundation of technical knowledge and associated background IP owned by ICL.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058b67
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050210-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£220,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Aug 20256 months ago
Contract Period
1 Sep 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
ABINGDON
Postcode
OX14 3DB
Post Town
Oxford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Oxfordshire
Electoral Ward
Sandford & the Wittenhams
Westminster Constituency
Didcot and Wantage

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

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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