---
title: "Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Plutonium Powders - Installation and commissioning of equipment in Central Laboratory"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AUTHORITY"
published: "2026-05-12"
---

# Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Plutonium Powders - Installation and commissioning of equipment in Central Laboratory

Buyer: NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AUTHORITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4

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## Summary

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), based in Cumbria, UK, is seeking to procure services related to the installation and commissioning of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) equipment for the treatment of plutonium powders at Sellafield's Central Laboratory. Classified under "Research and experimental development services," this procurement falls within the service category and involves a complex and innovative requirement. The project, first addressed in a contract award dated 13th March 2023, has since reached the tender update stage on 12th May 2026, reflecting the project's inherent complexity and evolving scope. Initially, the project's budget was adjusted from £8.8 million to £16.999 million, acknowledging the unique risks associated with First of a Kind (FOAK) nuclear facilities. The procurement process proceeded via a limited method, recognising NNL's unique qualifications and the necessity of certain services that fall outside the standard application of public procurement directives.

This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses with capabilities in advanced research and development, particularly those specialising in materials science, nuclear facility operations, and hazardous material handling. Special emphasis on quality and efficiency in dealing with hazardous materials suggests that businesses active in these fields and with a track record of innovation and safety compliance would be well-suited to participate. Companies involved in the construction of research and testing facilities, specialty design services, and the management of radioactive waste can benefit significantly, leveraging this opportunity to showcase their expertise on a pivotal project that could lead to future contracts with the NDA, especially in next-generation nuclear technology development.

## Notice

This requirement is for the following: The development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for i installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

This requirement is for the following: The development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for i installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.

### Procurement Information

This service is for the development of incorporation of Plutonium powders using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. The powders samples required for this testing are located at Sellafield Limited, and the NNL's Central Laboratory facility on the site is the only location where appropriate samples can be obtained. NDA will engage NNL for the installation and inactive commissioning of the equipment in the Central Laboratory. NNL will operate the equipment under a future contract.

The powder samples required for the testing of the HIP equipment can only be obtained at the Central Lab at Sellafield, which is operated by NNL. The HIP equipment will be operated by NNL in their Central Laboratory under a future contract.

NNL are the sole operators in the Central Lab and have the expertise to complete this requirement.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043561-2026 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Limited |
| Procurement method details | Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 12 May 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 13 Mar 2023 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £8,800,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AUTHORITY |
| Locality | CUMBRIA |
| Post town | Carlisle |
| Postcode | CA24 3HU |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLD1 Cumbria |
| ITL 3 | TLD13 Cumberland |
| Local authority | Cumberland |
| Electoral ward | Egremont North and St Bees |
| Westminster constituency | Whitehaven and Workington |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 09 - Petroleum products, fuel, electricity and other sources of energy
- 45 - Construction work
- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
- 90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

### Codes

- 09342000 - Plutonium
- 45214620 - Research and testing facilities construction work
- 71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis
- 71318000 - Advisory and consultative engineering services
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73110000 - Research services
- 79723000 - Waste analysis services
- 79930000 - Specialty design services
- 90520000 - Radioactive-, toxic-, medical- and hazardous waste services
- 90521000 - Radioactive waste treatment services
- 90521500 - Packaging of radioactive waste

## Release History

- 12 May 2026 at 14:35 - TenderUpdate - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043561-2026
- 14 Mar 2023 at 13:51 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007404-2023

## Notice URLs

- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/nuclear-decommissioning-authority

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03b2b4.json.