---
title: "STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate - Independent Assurance"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UK FUSION ENERGY LTD"
published: "2026-03-25"
---

# STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate - Independent Assurance

Buyer: UK FUSION ENERGY LTD  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9.json)

## Summary

The procurement process, managed by UK Fusion Energy Ltd and planned for independent assurance of the STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate, focuses on delivering a comprehensive review aligned with UK government finance case submission requirements. It is concentrated in the services category, with specific emphasis on project and design estimation of costs. The procurement method is open, allowing for broad competition, with electronic submissions accepted in English. The tender is situated in various regions across the United Kingdom, underscoring a nationwide interest. Key dates include the end of the tender period on 19th May 2026 and award period closure on 28th May 2026, offering a structured timeline for interested parties.

This tender provides substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in cost estimation and project management, especially those with expertise in independent reviews and validations of complex financial models. Given the nature of the work, firms without previous involvement in the STEP Programme are encouraged to engage, presenting a unique opportunity for newcomers or those seeking to expand their portfolio in the public sector. The contract, valued at £200,000 with potential extensions, supports growth for SMEs and VCSE organisations, particularly those with a capacity to fulfil technical, quality, and social value criteria in their offerings. This tender reflects a strategic commitment to fostering innovation while supporting public sector development.

## Notice

Independent review of the STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate as appropriate for finance cases as part of UK Government business case submission following the Green Book1: - Review of the current version of the model considering; accuracy of data, methodology used, calculations, uncertainty, escalation and inflation. - Provide comments on the current version of the model in an appraisal report. - Identification of missing content, as applicable. - Identification of areas of future work, as applicable. - This review activity should follow the guidelines specified in the AQuA Book2 and in the IPA Cost Estimating Requirements, STEP 6: Review and Assure3 Expected inputs: 1. STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate Report 2. STEP Estimating Strategy 3. STEP Cost Breakdown Structure 4. Individual Product Area Reports and Cost Models 5. STEP Whole Programme Cost Estimate Spreadsheet

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: 50% total contract value uplift in line with PA2023

Renewal: Optional 6 month extension

### Planning Information

Please return the questionnaire included within the tenderbox completed with your answers. Clarification questions will be accepted until 16th January.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027381-2026 |
| Notice type | UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 25 Mar 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 19 May 2026 |
| Future notice date | 4 May 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 May 2026 - 1 Dec 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £200,000 |
| Lots value | £200,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Planned |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK FUSION ENERGY LTD |
| Additional buyers | UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD |
| Locality | ABINGDON |
| Post town | Oxford |
| Postcode | OX14 3DB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC |
| Local authority | South Oxfordshire |
| Electoral ward | Sandford & the Wittenhams |
| Westminster constituency | Didcot and Wantage |
| Delivery location | TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

### Codes

- 71242000 - Project and design preparation, estimation of costs
- 71244000 - Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs

## Release History

- 25 Mar 2026 at 14:22 - Planning - UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027381-2026
- 9 Jan 2026 at 14:05 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001893-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027381-2026
  25th March 2026 - Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001893-2026
  9th January 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-0602e9. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0602e9.json.