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UKRI-6209 Low Energy variable speed electric drive motors

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

03 Jul 2026 at 09:07

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) is currently in the planning stage for a public procurement process aimed at acquiring IE5 evaluated variable-speed electric motor drive systems for continuous industrial operations. This process involves market engagement to define the procurement strategy for these motors, particularly for implementation at scientific sites like the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology. UKRI is seeking input from potential suppliers who can meet the technical specifications, which include performance units, motor drives, and control systems. The deadline for expressing interest in this opportunity is 14th July 2026, and participants can register through the Atamis eSourcing platform. Details about the tender, UKRI-6209, indicate a focus on electric motors under the CPV code 31110000, with a projected gross contract value of £1,200,000. This procurement is positioned under the Goods category, with further notices expected by 10th August 2026, and the contract period set to commence on 14th September 2026.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses that specialize in advanced electric motor technologies, notably those with expertise in energy-efficient models and electric drives. Companies that can offer solutions aligned with the European efficiency standard IE5, ensuring stable torque control and compatibility with low-voltage operations, will find this particularly beneficial. The opportunity is well-suited for SMEs capable of providing innovative replacements for standard IEC induction motors. Engaging in this process ensures businesses get the chance to align their offerings with UKRI's advanced research and development projects, potentially leading to further collaborations and increased market presence within the public sector across the UK.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-6209 Low Energy variable speed electric drive motors

Notice Description

IE5 evaluated variable-speed electric motor drive systems suitable for continuous industrial operation.

Planning Information

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investigating the market to provide a supplier of IE5 evaluated variable-speed electric motor drive systems suitable for continuous industrial operation at scientific sites, including MRC LMB. The purpose of this notice is to conduct preliminary market engagement to develop and inform the procurement strategy for these products. UKRI may invite suppliers to participate in further technical discussions if it is deemed necessary. The unit shall consist of the motor, power electronics, and control system necessary to deliver the performance outcomes as defined within the technical specification. The system must be treated as a single functional unit for the purposes of performance, compliance, and validation. The system shall: • Provide variable-speed operation with stable torque control from low speed to maximum rated speed • Operate directly from a standard low-voltage AC supply without reliance on upstream or downstream power-quality mitigation equipment • Maintain consistent electrical, mechanical, and acoustic behaviour across the full operating envelope • Be suitable for direct replacement of standard IEC induction motors within equivalent frame sizes We would be grateful if you could review the technical specification and let us know of any products ranges that you can supply that meet our requirements. Please only provide details of products that fully meet the attached specification. Suppliers can access the technical specification by registering their interest via the Atamis Portal. Responses should be sent via message using the Atamis messaging function within the project. To view and access this opportunity go to the Atamis eSourcing platform: 1. Log in or create an account here: https://ukri2.my.site.com 2. Navigate to the opportunity in the Find an Opportunity section of the site 3. Select Register Interest (you will not be able to view the documentation without registering an interest). 4. Go back to the main menu and navigate to the My Proposals and Quotes section of the site. 5. Select the opportunity from the list. Specification Documents for download are found in the Documents tab This activity is a Preliminary Market Engagement exercise and should not be interpreted as an invitation to tender. UKRI may amend the requirements at any stage or may choose not to take them forward.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c313
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062630-2026
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

CPV Codes

31110000 - Electric motors

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
10 Aug 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Sep 2026 - 13 Sep 2030 4-5 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
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
Not specified
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

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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