---
title: "Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-067481"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-067481"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067481.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067481.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY"
published: "2026-03-26"
---

# Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-067481

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067481.json)

## Summary

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology in London has concluded the procurement process for the project titled "Development of enhanced glass blown rubidium cells for UK tactical atomic clocks." This initiative falls under the goods category, specifically laboratory, optical, and precision equipment, and is aimed at fortifying the UK's capability in manufacturing vapour cells and rubidium standards for atomic clocks. The procurement was facilitated directly without competition, signifying a below-threshold procurement. The contract award, valued at £49,500, was finalised on 26th March 2026, with the contract period running from 26th March to 31st March 2026.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses focused on precision equipment manufacturing, particularly within the optical and laboratory equipment sector. SMEs like HCD Research, which has successfully secured the award, exemplify the type of business well-suited to benefit from such specialised projects. The project's emphasis on innovative manufacturing techniques creates prospects for businesses that can provide cutting-edge technological solutions and expertise in the development of atomic clock components. Engaging in such projects could serve as a substantial growth driver by enhancing technological capabilities and expanding market reach.

## Notice

Project to provide UK sovereign capability in both manufacturing the glass blown shapes for vapour cells and rubidium standards for use in atomic clocks.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027652-2026 |
| Notice type | UK6 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Below threshold - without competition |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 26 Mar 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 26 Mar 2026 |
| Contract period | 26 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £49,500 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1A 2EG |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | HCD RESEARCH |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

## Release History

- 26 Mar 2026 at 09:14 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027652-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027652-2026
  26th March 2026 - Contract award 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-067481. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-067481.json.