Planning

Concept Design of a Laser Induced Desorption System for Measuring First Wall Retention in STEP

UK FUSION ENERGY LTD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

13 Apr 2026 at 15:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Fusion Energy Ltd, based in Abingdon, is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process related to the development of a concept design and experimental plan for a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry system. This preliminary market engagement notice, scheduled to conclude by 11th May 2026, is aimed at gathering information from the market to aid in refining the final tender details. The key procurement category is engineering services, and this initiative is pivotal to the United Kingdom's STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme. The planned contract period is set to begin on 16th August 2026 and end on 31st March 2027, with the project being valued at £75,000.

This procurement opportunity could be particularly advantageous for firms that specialize in engineering design, technical testing, and research and experimental development services. Businesses possessing expertise in developing innovative scientific solutions and laboratory services may find this project aligns well with their capabilities. Moreover, it provides a platform to shape potential tender requirements through engagement and insight sharing, fostering long-term relationships and growth opportunities in the energy sector. The preferred suppliers will be those able to contribute to the project's goal of advancing the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant development.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Concept Design of a Laser Induced Desorption System for Measuring First Wall Retention in STEP

Notice Description

The following summary is not intended as a complete or definitive specification of the requirement. A purpose of this engagement is to seek information from the market to help refine our understanding and aid the development of a future specification. UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, responsible for STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme to deliver the UK's prototype fusion energy plant. This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of a concept design and experimental plan of a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LID-QMS) system for measuring first wall retention. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./685N4M6E65 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/685N4M6E65

Planning Information

This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of a concept design and experimental plan of a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LID-QMS) system for measuring first wall retention. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market. Suppliers responding to this MEN will have the opportunity to contribute insights that may shape the final tender requirements. All answers and correspondence will be used for market sounding purposes only and will be treated confidentially. Any supplier that chooses to not respond to this MEN will not exclude themselves from any subsequent procurement for this workstream. Should an NDA or similar be required, please contact the MEN Customer Contact. Any estimated contract values and contract dates associated with the notice are indicative and do not represent a commitment by UKFE. UKFE’s IP Policy: UKFE will own all foreground IP which is developed to deliver the STEP programme, including IP generated in projects with partners. UKFE requires a licence to any partner-owned background IP that is required to use and licence UKFE’s foreground IP freely As part of this PME, UKFE may carry out a range of activities. These may include, but are not limited to: issuing follow-up questions to suppliers and reviewing their responses; engaging in discussions with suppliers either collectively or individually, such as through webinars or workshops; seeking feedback on proposed requirements; exploring procurement approaches; identifying potentially suitable suppliers; assessing market capacity; and discussing possible contractual terms. PME may also be used to support the development of award criteria and the refinement of tender documentation. Any information provided in this notice, such as CPV codes, estimated contract values, anticipated contract dates and durations, and proposed engagement timelines - are indicative only and based on UKFE’s current understanding. These details may be subject to change. The purpose of PME is to improve our understanding of the market, refine our requirements, and shape our procurement strategy. The list of activities included here is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and the nature, extent and timetable of engagement may evolve in line with UKFE’s needs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068157
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033446-2026
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

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

71300000 - Engineering services

71320000 - Engineering design services

71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73111000 - Research laboratory services

73120000 - Experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£75,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
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
UK FUSION ENERGY LTD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ABINGDON
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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