DMOX pellet manufacturing, characterisation, and experimental testing activities

NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

17 Jun 2026 at 15:40

Summary of the contracting process

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, based in Cumbria, United Kingdom, has completed a direct award process for a contract involving DMOX pellet manufacturing, characterisation, and experimental testing. The procurement, identified under id C24542, is part of ongoing activities initiated under the Procurement Act 2023. The contract has been awarded to Orano Ltd, located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and valued at £12,000,000, with a gross amount of £14,400,000. The contract period begins on 3rd August 2026 and ends on 2nd August 2029, with a possible extension option. This procurement falls under the services category, specifically relating to research and development services and related consultancy services. The procurement method was justified as a direct award due to the unique capabilities of Orano Ltd, which has proprietary technology necessary for the project's continuation.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses involved in advanced material manufacturing and research services, particularly those with expertise in nuclear technology and proprietary intellectual resources. Although the direct award limits competition in this instance, similar future contracts may arise, offering prospects for companies with competitive research and development capabilities. Businesses planning to engage with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority should explore partnership opportunities to gain a foothold in ongoing and upcoming government projects, particularly those in the nuclear decommissioning sector. The contract sets a strategic precedent for specialised and capable businesses to align their offerings with government needs in high-tech and proprietary domains.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

DMOX pellet manufacturing, characterisation, and experimental testing activities

Notice Description

DMOX pellet manufacturing, characterisation, and experimental testing activities framework

Procurement Information

The proposed direct award to Orano is justified under Section 41 and Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 on the basis that Orano is the only supplier capable of delivering the requirement as a whole. The work is a continuation of earlier NDA-funded MOX pellet development and depends on Orano's proprietary MIMAS MOX pellet fabrication intellectual property, established process know-how, prior campaign data and embedded technical understanding. These factors mean there are no reasonable alternatives capable of delivering the required scope on a comparable technical basis. A change in supplier would break continuity with the existing programme, require repetition of earlier development and validation work, and introduce disproportionate technical, cost and schedule risk. On that basis, competition is not viable and a direct award to Orano represents the only credible route to deliver the required outcomes.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b778
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057311-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

73110000 - Research services

73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£12,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
2 Aug 2026 - 2 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CUMBRIA
Postcode
CA24 3HU
Post Town
Carlisle
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Egremont North and St Bees
Westminster Constituency
Whitehaven and Workington

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ORANO

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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