Notice Information
Notice Title
Cryomechanical test frame for materials qualification
Notice Description
Envisaged scope of supply * Dry cryostat compatible with digital image correlation, conventional contact-based extensometery and point sensors (e.g., strain gauges). Some compromise in performance is permissible when conducting measurements using DIC setups requiring windows. Target temperature is as low as possible, minimum temperature requirement is 10 K (with DIC). * Temperature control to within +- 1 K. * Modularity and flexibility to support a range of diagnostics and potential future modifications. * Sufficiently large enough to accommodate standard sized testing in line with ASTM E8 and E606 * Must also be compatible with small scale materials testing (e.g., SSJ3 sample). * Robust high vacuum chamber with appropriate thermal radiation shielding. * Must be able to support a fully aligned rigid load string. * The load string should be flexible and allow the testing of complex geometry samples and subcomponents. * Diagnostics to help optimise the performance of the system. I.e. be flexible enough to optimise conduction pathways. * Quick sample changeover is highly desirable. Preferred testing throughput of at least 2 tests a day for tensile testing. * Must be able to support long term testing programmes in excess of 100 tests. * Robust and repeatable temperature control system and sensor interface with sample. * Must interface with a four columns Zwick SS-CF Kappa 100 kN load frame or similar. * Pull bar feed throughs with bellows. * Vacuum pumping solutions via suitable flanges. * Support a minimum vacuum of 1 x 10-6 mbar. * Ability to backfill vacuum using dry gas (e.g. from compressed N2 cylinder) * Windows and ports to facilitate and permit digital image correlation (DIC). * Sufficient access to permit DIC calibration. * Doors and/or sufficient access to permit sample exchange. * Be able to support uniform temperature testing. * Be able to actively monitor temperature at specific locations on the sample. * Be able to apply a thermal gradient across the specimen with 50 K difference from either end of the gauge length of the specimen (Stretch target). * Feedthroughs for in-chamber services (e.g., cryo pump, diagnostics, etc... ). * Easy to use control system. * Control system allows vacuum and cooling to automatically start via timer (to optimise test throughput). * Extensometer feed throughs and supports. * Heating solution mechanical supports (if required), access, and service feedthroughs. * Internal heating to speed up warm up. * Be able to operate for prolonged periods of time in order to support fatigue testing. * Cryogenic TMF testing capability is also desirable but not essential.
Procurement Information
For technical reasons there is only one possible supplier
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010500-2026
- Current Stage
- Award
- All Stages
- Award
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK5 - Transparency Notice
- Procurement Type
- Standard
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Direct
- Procurement Method Details
- Direct award
- Tender Suitability
- Not specified
- Awardee Scale
- Not specified
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
51 - Installation services (except software)
-
- CPV Codes
51000000 - Installation services (except software)
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- Not specified
- Lots Value
- Not specified
- Awards Value
- £619,500 £500K-£1M
- Contracts Value
- Not specified
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 5 Feb 20262 weeks ago
- Submission Deadline
- Not specified
- Future Notice Date
- Not specified
- Award Date
- 5 Feb 20262 weeks ago
- Contract Period
- 5 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Complete
- Lots Status
- Complete
- Awards Status
- Pending
- Contracts Status
- Not Specified
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY
- Contact Name
- Tony Morris
- Contact Email
- tony.morris@ukaea.uk
- Contact Phone
- +12 35528822
Buyer Location
- Locality
- OXFORDSHIRE
- 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
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010500-2026
5th February 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
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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