Planning

STEP Interim Socio-economic Evaluation

UNITED KINGDOM INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

27 Feb 2026 at 15:57

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

United Kingdom Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is in the planning stage of a public procurement process, titled "STEP Interim Socio-economic Evaluation," scheduled to commence from 1 June 2026 to 1 June 2027. The tender involves evaluating socio-economic impacts related to the fusion energy project. Located in Culham, UK, the procurement addresses services within the research and evaluation consultancy sector. UKIFS is seeking industry engagement, with businesses encouraged to submit the required questionnaire by 13 March 2026 to shape future procurement activities. This engagement is critical for understanding market capabilities and refining the project's scope and design under the auspices of operational procurement.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for enterprises specialising in research services, economic assessments, social research, and consultancy evaluation to gain valuable business growth. Ideal candidates are those with capabilities in mixed-method evaluations, stakeholder engagement, and innovative research methodologies. Businesses that can contribute to the creation of high-impact case studies and possess expertise in fusion-related benefits like job creation, skills development, and supply chain optimisation will find this opportunity particularly appealing. This engagement with UKIFS will not only allow companies to leverage their expertise but also contribute significantly to the advancement of the UK's fusion energy capabilities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

STEP Interim Socio-economic Evaluation

Notice Description

1. Baseline Evaluation Aims -Set out current data, indicators and contextual evidence. -Identify what would likely happen without STEP to support later assessment of additionality. -Test the validity of STEP's theory of change, assumptions and risks. -Assess data availability, quality, and feasibility for longterm evaluation. Scope -Codevelop the theory of change and logic model. -Expand the benefits library with metrics, data sources and recommendations for future monetisation. -Specify data sources, quality plans, counterfactual logic, and longterm lag assumptions. -Highlight evidence gaps and uncertainties. 2. Impact Evaluation Aims -Assess progress towards STEP's Tranche 1 and T2a objectives. -Examine early technical advances and initial economic/social effects. -Forecast potential longerterm impacts where possible. -Identify what data and systems must be established now to enable robust T2a and future evaluations. Scope -Mixedmethods approach including early monetisation and nonmonetised impact assessment. -Develop methodologies to value fusionspecific benefits (jobs, skills, supply chain, innovation, infrastructure). -Use baseline counterfactuals to determine additionality. -Include placebased, distributional analysis and uncertainty testing. -Produce a set of highimpact case studies. 3. Process Evaluation Aims -Assess whether delivery aligns with STEP's mission, plans and intent. -Review progress against milestones, delivery structures, partnerships, resources and governance. -Understand stakeholder engagement, risk management, dependencies and overall programme maturity. -Identify lessons learned and readiness for transition to future tranches. Scope -Review programme documentation and structures. -Conduct stakeholder interviews across UKIFS, partners and external organisations. -Use the theory of change to analyse delivery barriers and enablers. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Culham:-Research-services./RCD73B9WCM To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/RCD73B9WCM

Planning Information

To respond to this PMEN, please complete and submit Appendix 1: Questionnaire via the facility in the Delta portal by 17:00 GMT on 13/03/2026. Early responses would be appreciated to help inform planning decisions. If you experience any difficulties with the portal, please contact the portal helpdesk helpdesk@delta-esourcing.com cc operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk Information obtained from responses to Appendix 1: Questionnaire will help UKIFS understand current market capabilities and shape the scope, direction, and design of the future procurement activities. If you have any questions about this PMEN, please contact UKIFS through the Delta portal. We are keen to engage with suppliers to assist with the PMEN completion if needed, to ensure quality responses enabling us to shape the future requirement and procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065ec1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018100-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

79311400 - Economic research services

79315000 - Social research services

79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £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
13 Mar 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 1 Jun 2027 1-2 years
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 INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CULHAM
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

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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