Tender

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

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

23 Dec 2025 at 13:30

Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has initiated a tender process titled "UKRI-5382 ZnS:Ag/6LiF Neutron Scintillator Screens" aimed at ensuring the supply of high-performance neutron scintillator screens for the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. This procurement falls under the industry category of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, specifically aimed at enhancing the quality of detector builds for the HRPD-X, SANDALS II, and WISH II instruments over a 10-year span. Being managed using an open procurement process, the tender is currently in the active stage, with key deadlines including an enquiry period closing on 22nd January 2026 and the tender submission deadline on 3rd February 2026. The contract is expected to commence on 11th March 2026 and conclude on 10th March 2030, with operations primarily based in the UKJ14 region of the United Kingdom.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses in the manufacturing of laboratory and optical equipment sectors, especially those capable of producing neutron scintillator screens with precise specifications required for high spatial and temporal resolution. The open procedure allows a broad range of suppliers, including SMEs and VCSEs, to compete for this framework contract valued at approximately £1.76 million. Companies with expertise in material science, physics, chemistry, and engineering stand to benefit from potential long-term engagement and collaboration with a leading scientific organisation, thereby potentially expanding their business portfolios and enhancing their market presence within the scientific research sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fc90
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085842-2025
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
23 Dec 20256 days ago
Submission Deadline
3 Feb 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
11 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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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