Tender

UKRI-5713 SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel for STFC

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

20 Apr 2026 at 09:05

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

09 Apr 2026 at 13:12

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the UKRI-5713 SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel for the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), overseen by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), is currently in the tender stage. This tender is classified under the industry category "Pressure Vessels" with opportunities to be delivered within the United Kingdom, specifically in the region UKJ14. The open procedure allows for electronic submission, with key deadlines including the submission end date on 15th May 2026, and the enquiry period concluding on 6th May 2026. The award date is anticipated for the 28th May 2026, and the contract period is scheduled from 8th June 2026 to 31st March 2027, highlighting a crucial upgrade for the existing SANDALS instrument as part of the ISIS Endeavour Programme.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for those specialising in the fields of structural biology, macromolecular chemistry, and functional materials. Companies with expertise in manufacturing pressure vessels are well-suited to compete, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), given the procurement method's emphasis on quality (70%) and price (30%) in its award criteria. Successful bidders will engage in delivering innovative solutions that support the expansion of research capabilities, positioning themselves in a niche market with high-value potential. With a gross contract value of £480,000, this procurement provides a lucrative opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific development.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5713 SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel for STFC

Notice Description

UKRI-5713 SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel tender is to deliver One SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel Assembly to upgrade the current SANDALS instrument, as part of the ISIS Endeavour Programme. This significant upgrade is made to expand its user base into new research areas in the fields of structural biology, macromolecular chemistry and functional materials. Please refer to the tender pack attached in the eSourcing portal for the full specification, contract terms and related documents.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067f17
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035469-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

CPV Codes

44615000 - Pressure vessels

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Apr 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
15 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon 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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