Award

UKRI-5617 VOPPEL Refurbishment

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

20 Jan 2026 at 10:41

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

08 Jan 2026 at 11:24

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

08 Jan 2026 at 11:18

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) awarded a contract for the "UKRI-5617 VOPPEL Refurbishment" project. This procurement involves purchasing a Pharos-4mj-20W laser system with advanced specifications for synchronisation with the Vulcan 20-20 Front-End. The project falls under the industry category of lasers and is based in the UK, with the delivery address specified in the South East region. The procurement was conducted through a direct award method, justified by the technical compatibility of the chosen supplier, Photonics Solutions. The contract was signed on 20th January 2026 and is set to commence on 30th January 2026, running until 31st March 2027.

This tender presents a growth opportunity for businesses in the laser technology sector, especially those capable of delivering highly technical and specialised equipment. Companies like Photonics Solutions, which are SMEs with proven experience and developed integration capabilities, are particularly well-suited for such procurements. Engaging in this type of contract can open doors to further collaborations in high-tech projects, offering businesses the chance to expand their market presence and enhance their portfolio with cutting-edge technological solutions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5617 VOPPEL Refurbishment

Notice Description

Purchase of 1x Pharos-4mj-20W, with <250 fs, 20W 4 mJ Specifications and 1x Repetition Rate Locking Capability for synchronisation with the Vulcan 20-20 Front-End. VOPPEL is a petawatt-level laser system that is presently being refurbished to be physically included in the Vulcan 20-20 project as an independent beamline precisely synchronised - within less than the pulse duration - with the main 20-petawatt beamline of Vulcan 20-20.

Procurement Information

The proposed supplier is uniquely positioned to deliver the required solution due to compatibility with a range of technical features already integrated and tested within existing systems. The solution encompasses critical elements such as software control, synchronisation, and operational spares, which are essential for maintaining system integrity and performance.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0601b2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004679-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

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
£192,925 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£192,925 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
8 Jan 20261 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 years
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)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
+441793442000

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

PHOTONICS 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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