Tender

UKRI-5382 ZnS:Ag/6LiF Neutron Scintillator Screens

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

22 Jan 2026 at 14:08

Tender

23 Dec 2025 at 13:30

Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), located in Swindon, Wiltshire, is seeking bids for the supply of ZnS:Ag/6LiF neutron scintillator screens as part of its ISIS Endeavour Programme. The procurement falls under the category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, with a specific focus on improving the ISIS neutron and muon source instruments. The tender is being managed through an open procedure and is currently at the active stage. The submission deadline for tenders is set for 17th February 2026, with the contract period slated to start on 30th March 2026 and run until 29th March 2030. The framework contract aims to ensure a reliable supply of high-performance screens, tailored to meet technical and operational demands, with an estimated contract value of £2,112,000 (gross).

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in the manufacturing of precision scientific equipment, especially those capable of producing scintillator screens with high technical specifications. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to apply, as the framework offers consistent work over a multi-year period, fostering long-term business relationships and growth. Companies that can deliver high-quality, technically advanced products while maintaining competitive pricing will be well-suited to compete, aligning with the tender's emphasis on quality (i.e., 75% quality weight) alongside pricing considerations.

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Notice Title

UKRI-5382 ZnS:Ag/6LiF Neutron Scintillator Screens

Notice Description

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research using neutrons and muons, supporting a broad scientific user community across disciplines such as materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering. As part of its detector development programme, ISIS manufactures a range of in-house detectors, including wavelength-shifting fibre (WLSF) based scintillation detectors, which are critical for capturing and characterising neutron interactions with high spatial and temporal resolution. A key component of these detectors is the neutron scintillator screen which is composed of a zinc sulphide silver activated phosphor and an enriched lithium-6 fluoride neutron-sensitive converter material. Following neutron capture in the converter, light is emitted from the phosphor subsequently collected by wavelength-shifting fibres and guided to photodetectors for signal processing. The quality, consistency and performance of the scintillator screen directly impact detection efficiency and effective gamma-ray and background discrimination. To support new detector builds, particularly for the HRPD-X, SANDALS II and WISH II instruments, a framework contract is required to ensure a reliable supply of high-performance ZnS:Ag/6LiF screens that meets the stringent technical and operational demands of ISIS instruments. These screens must be provided in different shapes, sizes and thicknesses to match the range of instrument beamline geometries and neutron fluxes encountered at ISIS. Some of the screens will be operated in vacuum and must be capable of maintaining performance within a vacuum environment for the lifetime of the detector, typically 15 years. The purpose of this tender is to guarantee a steady supply of ZnS:Ag/6LiF neutron scintillator screens to cover the needs of the ISIS Endeavour Programme, a 10-year programme to upgrade the suite of ISIS instruments. It will ensure a consistent and reliable product is always being provided throughout the programme. It will help to reduce the need for generating repeat tendering and for storing large quantities of product on site until needed.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fc90
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005787-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,760,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,760,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
17 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2030 4-5 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
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
STFC Procurement
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
+44 1793442000

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
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

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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