Planning

Low activation tungsten carbide for in-vessel applications

UK INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS LTD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

18 Sep 2025 at 18:05

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process currently in the planning stage is led by UK Industrial Solutions Ltd, a central government public authority located at Culham Science Centre, Abingdon. Titled "Low activation tungsten carbide for in-vessel applications," this tender focuses on the acquisition of approximately 5 kg each of multiple grades of low-activation tungsten carbide to support phase two of the STEP programme running from 2025 to 2030. The submission deadline for this preliminary market engagement is set for 15:00 on 8th October 2025. This project falls under the industry category of metal ores and alloys and will be implemented in the United Kingdom, with an estimated contract period from 30th November 2025 to 31st March 2026. The gross procurement value is estimated at £240,000.

This tender opens opportunities for businesses specialised in the manufacturing and supply of metal ores and alloys, especially those with expertise in producing low-activation tungsten carbide. By participating in this preliminary engagement, businesses have the chance to influence the tender requirements and showcase their capabilities, possibly leading to partnerships or subcontracting opportunities with UKIFS. Suppliers that can offer materials within the specified thresholds and propose the most promising grades suitable for testing and irradiation are well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity. Companies looking to expand their market presence in government-led engineering and scientific projects may particularly find this tender advantageous for growth and collaboration.

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Notice Title

Low activation tungsten carbide for in-vessel applications

Notice Description

The current MEN aims to gather information on relevant interested organisations (and their capabilities and expertise) that would be interested in contributing to the delivery of the second phase of the STEP programme (2025-2030) on an aspect related to low-activation WC for in-vessel applications. UKIFS is planning to procure small quantities (~5 kg) each of multiple grades of low-activation WC within required property thresholds detailed in the material specification below. Three of the most promising grades proposed by suppliers, that are within the specification thresholds, will be procured following a tender process. These grades will be characterised, tested and irradiated to determine their suitability for STEP in-vessel applications. UKIFS will lead the delivery of this testing campaign over the next 4 years through collaboration and/or subcontracting, leading to a decision on a baseline grade of low-activation WC For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Metal-ores-and-alloys./E758V33CB7 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/E758V33CB7

Planning Information

All submission mut be submitted by 15:00 on the 8th of October though the Delta tender platform. Suppliers responding to this PME will have the opportunity to contribute insights that may shape the final tender requirements. All answers and correspondence will be used for market sounding purposes only and will be treated confidentially.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059dab
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057911-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

14 - Mining, basic metals and related products


CPV Codes

14600000 - Metal ores and alloys

14620000 - Alloys

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS LTD
Contact Name
Bruce Kirkwood
Contact Email
operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk
Contact Phone
+44 (0)1235 464381

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

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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