Planning

In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS)

UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

27 Feb 2026 at 12:00

Summary of the contracting process

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is currently in the planning stage of procuring an In Cave Vacuum System, referred to as the Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS). This procurement process targets the industry category related to miscellaneous special-purpose machinery, including vacuum cleaners and pumps, as well as high-pressure cleaning apparatus and engineering design services. The procurement is situated in Warrington, United Kingdom, with the preliminary market engagement scheduled to conclude by 6th March 2026. The process is characterised as a request for information (RFI) to gauge interest and capabilities from potential suppliers rather than a formal tender. The CVCS is crucial for supporting housekeeping in high-radiation environments during remote metal cutting operations, collecting hazardous swarf for safe disposal.

This procurement presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in engineering design services, construction for nuclear operations, and manufacturing special-purpose machinery like vacuum cleaning systems, especially those capable of functioning in high-radiation environments. It is well-suited for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) due to the project's scale and scope. Businesses capable of designing, manufacturing, and delivering a robust system that meets UKNNL's detailed requirements, including remote operation and compatibility with existing equipment, are encouraged to participate. Moreover, there is the potential for ongoing collaboration beyond the initial contract period, offering substantial growth potential for suitably qualified entities.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS)

Notice Description

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Lab (UKNNL) requires the provision of an In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS). To ensure a comprehensive view on the current situation, we are issuing the attached Early Engagement RFI to receive input from the supply market. Early Engagement RFI Submission Deadline = 06/03/2025 (complete and return Early Engagement RFI In Cave Vacuum System). This exercise is a request for information, it does not constitute a formal procurement process. The purpose of this exercise is to assess the interest and capabilities within current markets to deliver this service. UKNNL may choose to contact suppliers based on the information provided in this questionnaire. If you prefer not to be contacted, please clearly indicate this preference in your questionnaire response. UKNNL assure you that any information provided during this exercise will not adversely affect the evaluation of any offers you may submit in response to any future Invitations to Tender. Brief Scope: UKNNL is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to design, manufacture, test and deliver a CVCS for use in a radiologically shielded AHF. The system will be used to support housekeeping during remote metal cutting operations by collecting hazardous swarf for safe disposal. It must be suitable for operation in a high-radiation environment, be capable of remote operation and maintenance, and be compatible with existing in cave handling equipment. The supplier would be expected to own the detailed design, using UKNNL provided concept information, and deliver one complete system, including testing and supporting documentation. This RFI is issued to understand current market capability and interest ahead of any future procurement.

Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=103284&TID=100108482&B=

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065e27
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017845-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products

42 - Industrial machinery

45 - Construction work

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

38500000 - Checking and testing apparatus

39713430 - Vacuum cleaners

42122450 - Vacuum pumps

42924740 - High-pressure cleaning apparatus

42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery

45251111 - Construction work for nuclear reactors

71320000 - Engineering design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£240,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Feb 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
20 Mar 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jun 2026 - 31 May 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-065e27-2026-02-27T12:00:38Z",
    "date": "2026-02-27T12:00:38Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-065e27",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVXT-8784-YGNV",
            "name": "United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVXT-8784-YGNV"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Chadwick House, Birchwood Park",
                "locality": "Warrington",
                "postalCode": "WA3 6AE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD61"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "James Ngoe",
                "email": "james.ngoe@uknnl.com",
                "telephone": "+44 1925933744"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.nnl.co.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PVXT-8784-YGNV",
        "name": "United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=103284&TID=100108482&B=",
                "dueDate": "2026-03-06T23:59:59Z",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "017845-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017845-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-02-27T12:00:38Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "NNLC720",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS)",
        "description": "The United Kingdom National Nuclear Lab (UKNNL) requires the provision of an In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS). To ensure a comprehensive view on the current situation, we are issuing the attached Early Engagement RFI to receive input from the supply market. Early Engagement RFI Submission Deadline = 06/03/2025 (complete and return Early Engagement RFI In Cave Vacuum System). This exercise is a request for information, it does not constitute a formal procurement process. The purpose of this exercise is to assess the interest and capabilities within current markets to deliver this service. UKNNL may choose to contact suppliers based on the information provided in this questionnaire. If you prefer not to be contacted, please clearly indicate this preference in your questionnaire response. UKNNL assure you that any information provided during this exercise will not adversely affect the evaluation of any offers you may submit in response to any future Invitations to Tender. Brief Scope: UKNNL is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to design, manufacture, test and deliver a CVCS for use in a radiologically shielded AHF. The system will be used to support housekeeping during remote metal cutting operations by collecting hazardous swarf for safe disposal. It must be suitable for operation in a high-radiation environment, be capable of remote operation and maintenance, and be compatible with existing in cave handling equipment. The supplier would be expected to own the detailed design, using UKNNL provided concept information, and deliver one complete system, including testing and supporting documentation. This RFI is issued to understand current market capability and interest ahead of any future procurement.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42990000",
                        "description": "Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "38500000",
                        "description": "Checking and testing apparatus"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "39713430",
                        "description": "Vacuum cleaners"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42122450",
                        "description": "Vacuum pumps"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42924740",
                        "description": "High-pressure cleaning apparatus"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "45251111",
                        "description": "Construction work for nuclear reactors"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71320000",
                        "description": "Engineering design services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "LOT-0000"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 240000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "additionalProcurementCategories": [
            "services"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "LOT-0000",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2028-05-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-03-20T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}