Planning

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS)

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

03 Sep 2026 at 16:32

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Atomic Energy Authority is exploring the development of a Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS), specifically a 4-pi scintillator detection system for measuring decay heat. The requirement concerns specialist scientific instruments and testing and measurement apparatus, including spectrometer technology. The purpose of this early activity is to understand what industry can deliver, the experience suppliers already have, and the technical or practical limitations that may affect development. Delivery is intended across the United Kingdom. This is a goods requirement, with the work focused on designing and developing advanced detection equipment rather than routine supply of standard laboratory instruments. It is likely to interest businesses working in radiation detection, scintillation systems, nuclear measurement, spectroscopy, instrumentation, or closely related research and development fields.

This procurement is at the planning stage: UKAEA has stated an intention to procure and is gathering market intelligence, rather than inviting tenders. The expected approach is a tender under the Procurement Act 2023, with one lot. The lot is currently planned to run from 15 March 2027 to 28 June 2027, and the buyer expects a subsequent notice on 4 January 2027. Preliminary market engagement is scheduled for 2 October 2026. The recorded gross value is £0 GBP. The procurement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The engagement is intended to inform UKAEA’s understanding of industry capability, relevant experience and development constraints before any future competitive procurement is arranged.

This early engagement will suit suppliers able to contribute credible evidence about developing 4-pi scintillator detection systems for decay heat measurement. Strong candidates are likely to have experience in nuclear instrumentation, radiation or particle detection, scintillator design, spectrometer development, experimental physics, measurement systems integration, or advanced testing equipment. Relevant capability may include designing detector geometries, collecting and interpreting measurement data, integrating sensors and electronics, and managing development risks in technically demanding environments. Businesses with experience delivering research and development for nuclear, energy, scientific or other highly regulated applications should be well placed to explain what is technically achievable and where limitations remain. The stated SME suitability may make this particularly relevant to specialist technology firms, innovative engineering businesses and research-led suppliers preparing for a later tender.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS)

Notice Description

UKAEA wishes to gather an understanding of the industry capabilities, experience, and limitations in developing a 4-pi scintillator detection system for decay heat measurement.

Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=108768&TID=100113825&B=

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083645-2026
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

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

CPV Codes

38433000 - Spectrometers

38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Sep 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
4 Jan 20274 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Mar 2027 - 28 Jun 2027 1-6 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
United Kingdom Atomic Energy 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
OXFORDSHIRE
Postcode
OX14 3DB
Postcode Area
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

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.

Loading OCDS record...