Award

Collaboration Agreement for Study of smouldering combustion in timber

INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR SERVICES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

16 Feb 2026 at 12:29

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Award

16 Feb 2026 at 12:02

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

International Nuclear Services Limited, based in Warrington, has initiated a procurement process for the "Collaboration Agreement for Study of smouldering combustion in timber," partnering with the University of Edinburgh. This agreement falls within the services industry category and is particularly pertinent to research services. Located in the United Kingdom, the project aims to study the smouldering combustion behaviours in timber through novel research. As of the latest update on 16 February 2026, the procurement is at the award stage with the contract period starting from 1 March 2026 and concluding on 31 August 2030. A voluntary standstill is observed until 25 February 2026, following a direct award method due to the specificity and innovative nature of the research.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for growth in research and development sectors, particularly for institutions and businesses specialising in nuclear research, timber studies, and combustion analysis. The collaboration opens doors for a diverse range of entities, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. With the backing of a prominent public authority, International Nuclear Services Limited, the project is well-suited for companies that can contribute to cutting-edge research and prototype development, facilitating advances in nuclear material packaging and safety through comprehensive understanding of smouldering rates in timber shock absorbers.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Collaboration Agreement for Study of smouldering combustion in timber

Notice Description

A collaboration research agreement is being established with the University of Edinburgh to enable the engagement of a student who will undertake a study on smouldering combustion in timber. This Transparency Notice is being issued alongside a separate Transparency Notice relating to the associated Student Agreement. See here for details: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013806-2026 OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0654c9 INS Atamis ref: C29774 The combined total contract value of both agreements is above the procurement thresholds as per PA23 Schedule 1. Considered individually, each agreement falls below that threshold. Supplier details: University Court of the University of Edinburgh, under registration number SC005336 incorporated under the Universities (Scotland) Acts and having its main administrative offices at Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL.

Procurement Information

This Direct Award justification is selected on the basis that this is novel research. It is contributing to the research and development against a nuclear package, as this research will feed into the early stages of the shock absorber smouldering rates. NTS intend to observe an 8 day voluntary standstill ending 25th Feb

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0654ba
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013811-2026
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
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Feb 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Feb 20266 days ago
Contract Period
1 Mar 2026 - 31 Aug 2030 4-5 years
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
INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@ntsglobal.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WARRINGTON
Postcode
WA3 6GR
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

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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