Planning

Construction and commission of modular rig

UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

09 Feb 2026 at 11:57

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process is currently at the Planning stage, initiated by the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory Limited (UKNNL), a sub-central government public authority. This procurement involves construction works in the form of a project titled "Construction and Commission of Modular Rig," specifically focused on the assembly and commissioning of a modular experimental rig. Located in Preston, Lancashire, UK, the project addresses the construction and installation services industry. Key milestones include a scheduled engagement due on 20 February 2026 for expressions of interest as part of a pre-tender market consultation to assess capabilities within the current market before moving to potential formal tendering processes. The anticipated site readiness is set for June 2026, with a project completion handover planned by September 2026.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for contractors experienced in modular or multi-storey industrial construction, particularly those specialising in mechanical assembly, electrical, controls, and instrumentation. Suitably qualified small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with robust health, safety, and quality management systems are encouraged to partake, as their expertise is critical for ensuring the mechanical assembly, technical checks, and inactive commissioning of the facility. The successful completion of this project could position businesses for future growth by showcasing their capability in executing complex construction and installation projects within operational facilities, particularly those requiring coordination across multiple service interfaces such as gas, fluids, extraction, and electrical systems.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Construction and commission of modular rig

Notice Description

UKNNL is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to support the assembly, installation verification, and inactive commissioning of a new modular experimental rig at the Preston facility. The rig comprises a modular, three-storey structure incorporating multiple process and utility services. The appointed contractor will be responsible for mechanical assembly, installation checks, and inactive commissioning (without uranics) to enable active commissioning (with uranics) by others. 2. Scope of Work The contractor will be expected to undertake, as a minimum: Mechanical Assembly * Offloading, positioning, and installation of prefabricated rig modules * Mechanical assembly and integration of modules to form the complete structure * Installation of access platforms, supports, and ancillary equipment * Alignment, fixing, and structural integrity checks Interface & Service Readiness * Preparation and verification of interfaces for: o Gas services o Extraction/ventilation o Fluids o Electrical supplies * Coordination with service installation contractors * Ensuring connection points are accessible, correctly labelled, and compliant with drawings/specifications Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation: * Cross module connections * Final install * Connection to Pilot Plant electrical distribution network 1. Project Overview UKNNL is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to support the assembly, installation verification, and inactive commissioning of a new modular experimental rig at the Preston facility. The rig comprises a modular, three-storey structure incorporating multiple process and utility services. The appointed contractor will be responsible for mechanical assembly, installation checks, and inactive commissioning (without uranics) to enable active commissioning (with uranics) by others. ________________________________________ 2. Scope of Work The contractor will be expected to undertake, as a minimum: Mechanical Assembly * Offloading, positioning, and installation of prefabricated rig modules * Mechanical assembly and integration of modules to form the complete structure * Installation of access platforms, supports, and ancillary equipment * Alignment, fixing, and structural integrity checks Interface & Service Readiness * Preparation and verification of interfaces for: o Gas services o Extraction/ventilation o Fluids o Electrical supplies * Coordination with service installation contractors * Ensuring connection points are accessible, correctly labelled, and compliant with drawings/specifications Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation: * Cross module connections * Final install * Connection to Pilot Plant electrical distribution network Installation Verification * Completion of installation checks against drawings and specifications * QA/QC inspections and documentation * Identification and resolution of defects or non-conformances * As-built documentation and redlining Inactive Commissioning * Mechanical completion checks * Pressure/leak testing (where applicable) * Functional checks (non-energised / non-process) * Safety and compliance verification * Handover documentation and commissioning packs ________________________________________ 3. Contractor Requirements Interested parties should demonstrate: * Experience assembling modular or multi-storey industrial/process rigs or plant * Experience working with multi-disciplinary service interfaces (gas, fluids, extraction, electrical) * Commissioning and mechanical completion experience * Strong health, safety, and quality management systems to comply with CDM regulations * Ability to work within an operational facility environment * Relevant certifications and competencies ________________________________________ 4. Deliverables The appointed contractor will be expected to provide: * Method statements and risk assessments * Installation and commissioning plans * Inspection and test records * Mechanical completion dossiers * As-built documentation * Handover pack ________________________________________ 5. Programme (Indicative) * Site readiness: June 2026 * Assembly period: 3 months * Handover to active commissioning: September 2026

Planning Information

This exercise is an Expression of interest and is part of a pre-tender market consultation, it does not constitute a formal procurement process. The purpose of this exercise is to assess the capabilities within current markets to delivery this service. Company Name :United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory Delivery address: Springfields, Salwick, Preston, Lancashire. PR4 0XJ Contact :Procurement@uknnl.com Opportunity to attend site for pre-tender engagement will be provided depending on EOI received

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064afb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011320-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

51 - Installation services (except software)

CPV Codes

45000000 - Construction work

51000000 - Installation services (except software)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Feb 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
20 Feb 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@uknnl.com
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WARRINGTON
Postcode
WA3 6AE
Post Town
Warrington
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD61 Warrington
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Warrington
Electoral Ward
Birchwood
Westminster Constituency
Warrington North

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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