Planning

National Standard Force Calibration Machine

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

14 May 2026 at 14:53

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NPL Management Limited, based in Teddington, United Kingdom, is initiating a procurement process for the development of a National Standard Force Calibration Machine. Classified under industries such as electrical machinery, precision equipment, and repair services, this tender is in the planning stage with a current focus on Preliminary Market Engagement. This exercise will determine market interest and examine potential risks and opportunities, ending notably on 28th May 2026. With a planned contract start date of 28th September 2026, the project aims to develop equipment providing forces up to 12 MN, with procurement valued at £2,500,000—grossing £3,000,000. The contract is particularly suited for SMEs, with the possibility of renewal extending until September 2031.

This procurement opportunity offers a substantial pathway for businesses to expand their portfolio by contributing to a state-of-the-art national calibration capability. Ideal candidates for this project include companies with expertise in low-noise servo-hydraulic systems, precision machining for large components, and manufacturing of testing machines, among others. Additionally, businesses with competencies in pressure sensing and weight handling systems will find this an opportune platform to showcase their capabilities and build long-term partnerships with a renowned scientific organisation like NPL. Such collaboration can propel business growth by establishing significant links within the public and precision equipment sectors.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

National Standard Force Calibration Machine

Notice Description

NPL is seeking to engage with suppliers who can support the development of a new national standard force machine providing applied forces to at least 12 MN (1,200 tonne force) with an accuracy of 0.01% of applied load. We are looking to gain understanding with suppliers of components, systems and engineering integration services likely to be required to progress the design concept of a unique UK test and calibration capability. Our requirements are yet to be fully defined, budget is still to be secured, and at this stage we wish to understand the current art of the possible and explore the feasibility and potential cost of design options. We are keen to talk with organisations with capability aligned to: * Low noise, servo-hydraulic control systems * Precision machining (large metallic components) * Testing machine manufacture * Pressure sensing and pressure control * Weights and weight handling systems This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow on ITT.

Planning Information

Prior to initiating the procurement, NPL wishes to establish the level of market interest in the forthcoming procurement process. Suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who may have an interest in this project are invited to register for this Preliminary Market Engagement. The purpose of the market engagement is to help assess the reaction of the market, to understand risks and future possibilities to ensure a future proofed procurement strategy and resulting contract. Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and NPL. Nor does the receipt of a response automatically include the respondent in the procurement process. A Tender Notice will be issued to the market which will provide details of how the relating procurement documentation can be accessed and timescales for submission of the said tender response. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participation in this Market Engagement of whatever nature. NPL shall not be liable for the costs, expenses or losses howsoever arising (including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss incurred), regardless of the outcome of the Market Engagement. The next stage in the process will be considered once this exercise has been completed.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06990d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044507-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

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

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

31000000 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

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

50000000 - Repair and maintenance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 May 20265 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2029 3-4 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
NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TEDDINGTON
Postcode
TW11 0LW
Post Town
Twickenham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI7 Outer London - West and North West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Richmond upon Thames
Electoral Ward
Teddington
Westminster Constituency
Twickenham

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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