---
title: "Concept Design of a Laser Induced Desorption System for Measuring First Wall Retention in STEP"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-068157"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-068157"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068157.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068157.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UK FUSION ENERGY LTD"
published: "2026-04-13"
---

# Concept Design of a Laser Induced Desorption System for Measuring First Wall Retention in STEP

Buyer: UK FUSION ENERGY LTD  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-068157

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## Summary

UK Fusion Energy Ltd, based in Abingdon, is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process related to the development of a concept design and experimental plan for a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry system. This preliminary market engagement notice, scheduled to conclude by 11th May 2026, is aimed at gathering information from the market to aid in refining the final tender details. The key procurement category is engineering services, and this initiative is pivotal to the United Kingdom's STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme. The planned contract period is set to begin on 16th August 2026 and end on 31st March 2027, with the project being valued at £75,000.

This procurement opportunity could be particularly advantageous for firms that specialize in engineering design, technical testing, and research and experimental development services. Businesses possessing expertise in developing innovative scientific solutions and laboratory services may find this project aligns well with their capabilities. Moreover, it provides a platform to shape potential tender requirements through engagement and insight sharing, fostering long-term relationships and growth opportunities in the energy sector. The preferred suppliers will be those able to contribute to the project's goal of advancing the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant development.

## Notice

The following summary is not intended as a complete or definitive specification of the requirement. A purpose of this engagement is to seek information from the market to help refine our understanding and aid the development of a future specification. UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, responsible for STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme to deliver the UK's prototype fusion energy plant. This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of a concept design and experimental plan of a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LID-QMS) system for measuring first wall retention. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./685N4M6E65 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/685N4M6E65

### Planning Information

This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of a concept design and experimental plan of a Laser Induced Desorption Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LID-QMS) system for measuring first wall retention. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market.
Suppliers responding to this MEN will have the opportunity to contribute insights that may shape the final tender requirements. All answers and correspondence will be used for market sounding purposes only and will be treated confidentially.
Any supplier that chooses to not respond to this MEN will not exclude themselves from any subsequent procurement for this workstream.
Should an NDA or similar be required, please contact the MEN Customer Contact.
Any estimated contract values and contract dates associated with the notice are indicative and do not represent a commitment by UKFE.
UKFE’s IP Policy: UKFE will own all foreground IP which is developed to deliver the STEP programme, including IP generated in projects with partners. UKFE requires a licence to any partner-owned background IP that is required to use and licence UKFE’s foreground IP freely
As part of this PME, UKFE may carry out a range of activities. These may include, but are not limited to: issuing follow-up questions to suppliers and reviewing their responses; engaging in discussions with suppliers either collectively or individually, such as through webinars or workshops; seeking feedback on proposed requirements; exploring procurement approaches; identifying potentially suitable suppliers; assessing market capacity; and discussing possible contractual terms. PME may also be used to support the development of award criteria and the refinement of tender documentation.
Any information provided in this notice, such as CPV codes, estimated contract values, anticipated contract dates and durations, and proposed engagement timelines - are indicative only and based on UKFE’s current understanding. These details may be subject to change. The purpose of PME is to improve our understanding of the market, refine our requirements, and shape our procurement strategy. The list of activities included here is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and the nature, extent and timetable of engagement may evolve in line with UKFE’s needs.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033446-2026 |
| Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 13 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 11 May 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 15 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £75,000 |
| 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 | UK FUSION ENERGY 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 | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73111000 - Research laboratory services
- 73120000 - Experimental development services

## Release History

- 13 Apr 2026 at 15:54 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033446-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033446-2026
  13th April 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/685N4M6E65
- https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./685N4M6E65
- 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-068157. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-068157.json.