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Disposal System Science & Technology Framework

Nuclear Waste Services

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

06 Aug 2026 at 14:19

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Nuclear Waste Services Limited is planning a UK-wide professional services framework for research and development in engineered barriers for geological disposal of nuclear waste. The work will assess the performance and deployment options of engineered barrier system components, and develop candidate materials and configurations for use under repository conditions. It covers research and experimental development services, including research laboratory services (CPV 73100000 and 73111000). Suppliers would support the scientific and technical assessment of materials and barrier systems relevant to the UK repository programme. Delivery is across the United Kingdom. The planned procurement is a single framework covering this specialist science and technology support, rather than a conventional supply of equipment or construction works.

The procurement is at the planning stage: Nuclear Waste Services Limited has announced its intention to procure, but this is not an invitation to tender. It expects to use an above-threshold open procedure for a framework agreement. The buyer currently expects the tender to be released in November 2026, with a future notice date of 27 November 2026. The planned contract period is 2 September 2027 to 1 September 2035, with a possible extension to 31 August 2037 and renewal rights. The estimated value is £13.7 million excluding VAT, or £16.44 million including VAT. The framework is planned as one lot and is exempt as research and development procurement under paragraph 22 of Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023.

This will suit organisations with specialist nuclear waste, geological disposal, materials science, engineered barrier, repository performance or research laboratory capabilities. Relevant suppliers may include universities, research institutes, specialist consultancies, laboratory operators and technology developers able to assess materials and component performance under repository conditions and advise on deployment options. The buyer identifies the framework as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprises, so participation is not limited to large contractors. Businesses should prepare evidence of relevant research and development expertise, laboratory or experimental capability, scientific analysis, and experience developing or evaluating candidate materials and configurations. Organisations able to form multidisciplinary teams or partnerships may be well placed when the procurement reaches the market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Disposal System Science & Technology Framework

Notice Description

Please note that as a Research & Development framework, this will be EXEMPT under Paragraph 22 of Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023. The purpose of this notice is to make the market aware of this upcoming procurement, which is currently due for tender release in November 2026. This framework aims to provide comprehensive professional services support for the assessment of performance and deployment options for UK-relevant engineered barrier system components and the evolution of candidate material(s) and their configurations under repository conditions.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ddeb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074793-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£13,700,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Aug 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
27 Nov 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Sep 2027 - 1 Sep 2035 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Nuclear Waste Services
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CALDERBRIDGE, SEASCALE
Postcode
CA20 1DB
Postcode Area
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
Gosforth
Westminster Constituency
Whitehaven and Workington

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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