---
title: "Cryomechanical test frame for materials qualification"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY"
published: "2026-02-05"
---

# Cryomechanical test frame for materials qualification

Buyer: UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc

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## Summary

The UK Atomic Energy Authority, located at Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire, has completed the procurement process for a Cryomechanical test frame for materials qualification. This contract, identified by JNCA/TM155/25, falls under the services category, specifically involving installation services (except software), with a procurement method of direct award due to technical constraints limiting suppliers. Notably, the award for this procurement was announced on 5th February 2026, with a contract completion deadline set for 31st March 2026. The procurement process adheres to legal frameworks established by UKPGA 2023/54.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in the development and installation of cryogenic and mechanical testing equipment. Companies with expertise in producing complex test frames adaptable to diverse diagnostic needs and stringent temperature and vacuum requirements could benefit significantly. Additionally, firms skilled in facilitating advanced material testing processes, such as strain gauging and thermal gradient applications, and those capable of providing long-term support and maintenance, would be well-suited to engage with the UK Atomic Energy Authority's requirements.

## Notice

Envisaged scope of supply * Dry cryostat compatible with digital image correlation, conventional contact-based extensometery and point sensors (e.g., strain gauges). Some compromise in performance is permissible when conducting measurements using DIC setups requiring windows. Target temperature is as low as possible, minimum temperature requirement is 10 K (with DIC). * Temperature control to within +- 1 K. * Modularity and flexibility to support a range of diagnostics and potential future modifications. * Sufficiently large enough to accommodate standard sized testing in line with ASTM E8 and E606 * Must also be compatible with small scale materials testing (e.g., SSJ3 sample). * Robust high vacuum chamber with appropriate thermal radiation shielding. * Must be able to support a fully aligned rigid load string. * The load string should be flexible and allow the testing of complex geometry samples and subcomponents. * Diagnostics to help optimise the performance of the system. I.e. be flexible enough to optimise conduction pathways. * Quick sample changeover is highly desirable. Preferred testing throughput of at least 2 tests a day for tensile testing. * Must be able to support long term testing programmes in excess of 100 tests. * Robust and repeatable temperature control system and sensor interface with sample. * Must interface with a four columns Zwick SS-CF Kappa 100 kN load frame or similar. * Pull bar feed throughs with bellows. * Vacuum pumping solutions via suitable flanges. * Support a minimum vacuum of 1 x 10-6 mbar. * Ability to backfill vacuum using dry gas (e.g. from compressed N2 cylinder) * Windows and ports to facilitate and permit digital image correlation (DIC). * Sufficient access to permit DIC calibration. * Doors and/or sufficient access to permit sample exchange. * Be able to support uniform temperature testing. * Be able to actively monitor temperature at specific locations on the sample. * Be able to apply a thermal gradient across the specimen with 50 K difference from either end of the gauge length of the specimen (Stretch target). * Feedthroughs for in-chamber services (e.g., cryo pump, diagnostics, etc... ). * Easy to use control system. * Control system allows vacuum and cooling to automatically start via timer (to optimise test throughput). * Extensometer feed throughs and supports. * Heating solution mechanical supports (if required), access, and service feedthroughs. * Internal heating to speed up warm up. * Be able to operate for prolonged periods of time in order to support fatigue testing. * Cryogenic TMF testing capability is also desirable but not essential.

### Procurement Information

For technical reasons there is only one possible supplier

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010500-2026 |
| Notice type | UK5 - Transparency Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 5 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 5 Feb 2026 |
| Contract period | 5 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £619,500 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY |
| Locality | OXFORDSHIRE |
| 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 | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 51 - Installation services (except software)

### Codes

- 51000000 - Installation services (except software)

## Release History

- 5 Feb 2026 at 13:57 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010500-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010500-2026
  5th February 2026 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
- 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-0648fc. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0648fc.json.