---
title: "In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS)"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-065e27"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-065e27"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065e27.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065e27.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY"
published: "2026-02-27"
---

# In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS)

Buyer: UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-065e27

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## Summary

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is currently in the planning stage of procuring an In Cave Vacuum System, referred to as the Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS). This procurement process targets the industry category related to miscellaneous special-purpose machinery, including vacuum cleaners and pumps, as well as high-pressure cleaning apparatus and engineering design services. The procurement is situated in Warrington, United Kingdom, with the preliminary market engagement scheduled to conclude by 6th March 2026. The process is characterised as a request for information (RFI) to gauge interest and capabilities from potential suppliers rather than a formal tender. The CVCS is crucial for supporting housekeeping in high-radiation environments during remote metal cutting operations, collecting hazardous swarf for safe disposal.

This procurement presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in engineering design services, construction for nuclear operations, and manufacturing special-purpose machinery like vacuum cleaning systems, especially those capable of functioning in high-radiation environments. It is well-suited for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) due to the project's scale and scope. Businesses capable of designing, manufacturing, and delivering a robust system that meets UKNNL's detailed requirements, including remote operation and compatibility with existing equipment, are encouraged to participate. Moreover, there is the potential for ongoing collaboration beyond the initial contract period, offering substantial growth potential for suitably qualified entities.

## Notice

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Lab (UKNNL) requires the provision of an In Cave Vacuum System - Centralised Vacuum Cleaning System (CVCS). To ensure a comprehensive view on the current situation, we are issuing the attached Early Engagement RFI to receive input from the supply market. Early Engagement RFI Submission Deadline = 06/03/2025 (complete and return Early Engagement RFI In Cave Vacuum System). This exercise is a request for information, it does not constitute a formal procurement process. The purpose of this exercise is to assess the interest and capabilities within current markets to deliver this service. UKNNL may choose to contact suppliers based on the information provided in this questionnaire. If you prefer not to be contacted, please clearly indicate this preference in your questionnaire response. UKNNL assure you that any information provided during this exercise will not adversely affect the evaluation of any offers you may submit in response to any future Invitations to Tender. Brief Scope: UKNNL is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to design, manufacture, test and deliver a CVCS for use in a radiologically shielded AHF. The system will be used to support housekeeping during remote metal cutting operations by collecting hazardous swarf for safe disposal. It must be suitable for operation in a high-radiation environment, be capable of remote operation and maintenance, and be compatible with existing in cave handling equipment. The supplier would be expected to own the detailed design, using UKNNL provided concept information, and deliver one complete system, including testing and supporting documentation. This RFI is issued to understand current market capability and interest ahead of any future procurement.

### Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=103284&TID=100108482&B=

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017845-2026 |
| 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, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 20 Mar 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Jun 2026 - 31 May 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £240,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY |
| Locality | WARRINGTON |
| Post town | Warrington |
| Postcode | WA3 6AE |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLD6 Cheshire |
| ITL 3 | TLD61 Warrington |
| Local authority | Warrington |
| Electoral ward | Birchwood |
| Westminster constituency | Warrington North |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
- 39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products
- 42 - Industrial machinery
- 45 - Construction work
- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

### Codes

- 38500000 - Checking and testing apparatus
- 39713430 - Vacuum cleaners
- 42122450 - Vacuum pumps
- 42924740 - High-pressure cleaning apparatus
- 42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery
- 45251111 - Construction work for nuclear reactors
- 71320000 - Engineering design services

## Release History

- 27 Feb 2026 at 12:00 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017845-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017845-2026
  27th February 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=103284&TID=100108482&B=
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.nnl.co.uk/

## 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-065e27. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-065e27.json.