Planning

STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate - Independent Assurance

UK FUSION ENERGY LTD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

25 Mar 2026 at 14:22

Planning

09 Jan 2026 at 14:05

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, managed by UK Fusion Energy Ltd and planned for independent assurance of the STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate, focuses on delivering a comprehensive review aligned with UK government finance case submission requirements. It is concentrated in the services category, with specific emphasis on project and design estimation of costs. The procurement method is open, allowing for broad competition, with electronic submissions accepted in English. The tender is situated in various regions across the United Kingdom, underscoring a nationwide interest. Key dates include the end of the tender period on 19th May 2026 and award period closure on 28th May 2026, offering a structured timeline for interested parties.

This tender provides substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in cost estimation and project management, especially those with expertise in independent reviews and validations of complex financial models. Given the nature of the work, firms without previous involvement in the STEP Programme are encouraged to engage, presenting a unique opportunity for newcomers or those seeking to expand their portfolio in the public sector. The contract, valued at £200,000 with potential extensions, supports growth for SMEs and VCSE organisations, particularly those with a capacity to fulfil technical, quality, and social value criteria in their offerings. This tender reflects a strategic commitment to fostering innovation while supporting public sector development.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate - Independent Assurance

Notice Description

Independent review of the STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate as appropriate for finance cases as part of UK Government business case submission following the Green Book1: - Review of the current version of the model considering; accuracy of data, methodology used, calculations, uncertainty, escalation and inflation. - Provide comments on the current version of the model in an appraisal report. - Identification of missing content, as applicable. - Identification of areas of future work, as applicable. - This review activity should follow the guidelines specified in the AQuA Book2 and in the IPA Cost Estimating Requirements, STEP 6: Review and Assure3 Expected inputs: 1. STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate Report 2. STEP Estimating Strategy 3. STEP Cost Breakdown Structure 4. Individual Product Area Reports and Cost Models 5. STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate Spreadsheet

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: 50% total contract value uplift in line with PA2023

Renewal: Optional 6 month extension

Planning Information

Please return the questionnaire included within the tenderbox completed with your answers. Clarification questions will be accepted until 16th January.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027381-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71242000 - Project and design preparation, estimation of costs

71244000 - Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
19 May 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
4 May 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 1 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK FUSION ENERGY LTD
Additional Buyers

UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

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

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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