This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

18 Jun 2026 at 15:23

TenderUpdate

20 Apr 2026 at 09:05

Tender

09 Apr 2026 at 13:12

Summary of the contracting process

The UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), a public authority in central government, has concluded the tender process for the UKRI-5713 SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel for the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The process was initiated on 9th April 2026 and completed with an award on 18th June 2026. The successful tender involved delivering a SANDALS II Vacuum Vessel Assembly, an important upgrade under the ISIS Endeavour Programme, impacting research fields such as structural biology and functional materials. Based in Swindon, Wiltshire, the organisation followed an open procurement method and was actively seeking bids until 15th May 2026. The contract, awarded to Cadinox SA of Spain, is set to run from 6th July 2026 to 31st January 2027, with its focal point on goods, particularly pressure vessels.

This contract represents an exceptional opportunity for businesses in the manufacturing sector, especially those specialising in advanced engineering or pressure vessel production. The competitive open procedure attracted seven bids, indicating a robust interest among suppliers. While the winning bid went to a large scale company, the tender's open nature and electronic submission policy made it accessible to SMEs, presenting future opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to engage with large-scale, publicly funded projects. Businesses with expertise in precision engineering, innovative material use, and experience in public-sector contracts could find growth potential in participating in similar tenders by the UKRI.

How relevant is this notice?

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.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067f17
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057745-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

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
£395,240 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Jun 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
15 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Jun 20261 months ago
Contract Period
5 Jul 2026 - 31 Jan 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CADINOX

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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