Award

Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

26 Mar 2026 at 09:14

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology in London has concluded the procurement process for the project titled "Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks." This initiative falls under the goods category, specifically laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, and is aimed at fortifying the UK's capability in manufacturing vapour cells and rubidium standards for atomic clocks. The procurement was facilitated directly without competition, signifying a below-threshold procurement. The contract award, valued at £49,500, was finalised on 26th March 2026, with the contract period running from 26th March to 31st March 2026.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses focused on precision equipment manufacturing, particularly within the optical and laboratory equipment sector. SMEs like HCD Research, which has successfully secured the award, exemplify the type of business well-suited to benefit from such specialised projects. The project's emphasis on innovative manufacturing techniques creates prospects for businesses that can provide cutting-edge technological solutions and expertise in the development of atomic clock components. Engaging in such projects could serve as a substantial growth driver by enhancing technological capabilities and expanding market reach.

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Notice Title

Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks

Notice Description

Project to provide UK sovereign capability in both manufacturing the glass blown shapes for vapour cells and rubidium standards for use in atomic clocks.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067481
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027652-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£49,500 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
26 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 30 days
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2EG
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

HCD RESEARCH

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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