--- title: "STEP Vapour Shielding Scenario Simulation" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD" published: "2026-07-16" --- # STEP Vapour Shielding Scenario Simulation Buyer: UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a.json) ## Summary The UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd is in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "STEP Vapour Shielding Scenario Simulation," centred on reactor-scale vapour shielding modelling to support the STEP prototype powerplant programme. This initiative falls under the industry category of research and experimental development services and is located in Abingdon, United Kingdom. The procurement involves a preliminary engagement phase, which aims to gather information from potential suppliers. A key deadline for suppliers to respond is 14th August 2026. The entire project is structured into four phases, with a total estimated contract value of £200,000, and is scheduled to commence on 26th October 2026. The tentative end for this phase is 26th April 2027. This procurement offers substantial opportunities for businesses skilled in advanced modelling and research services, particularly those with capabilities in reactor-scale vapour shielding simulations. Enterprises with access to established modelling frameworks and capable of assessing transient scenarios and material degradation are well-suited to compete. This tender is an avenue for innovative research organisations to contribute to a high-profile powerplant programme, thereby enhancing their industry credibility and potentially securing lucrative, long-term contracts. Engaging in this tender not only positions businesses strategically within the fusion energy sector but also allows them to influence the final tender requirements through initial market engagement. ## Notice This Market Engagement Notice seeks engagement with organisations capable of delivering reactor-scale vapour shielding modelling to support the STEP prototype powerplant programme. The work will investigate vapour shielding effects arising from transient plasma events and their impact on plasma-facing components, informing design, protection systems, and operational strategies. The scope is divided into four sequential phases covering: (A) initial assessment of limiter strike scenarios and architecture risks; (B) expanded analysis of transient scenarios, material degradation, and mitigation strategies; (C) development of engineering models and lifetime assessments for plasma-facing components and (D) assessment of combined transient hazards and their implications for protection system design. Suppliers must submit proposals for Phase A, with separate pricing for Phases B and C, while Phase D will focus on future capability without pricing at this stage. Suppliers are expected to demonstrate access to established reactor-scale vapour shielding modelling frameworks, with work progressing through successive phases subject to technical outcomes, funding availability, and STEP programme priorities. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Research-and-experimental-development-services./2ZAK72P477 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/2ZAK72P477 ### Planning Information This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of vapour shielding scenario simulation. 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/067419-2026 | | 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 | 16 Jul 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 14 Aug 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 26 Oct 2026 - 26 Apr 2027 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £200,000 | | 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 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 | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ### Codes - 73100000 - Research and experimental development services - 73110000 - Research services - 73111000 - Research laboratory services - 73120000 - Experimental development services - 73430000 - Test and evaluation ## Release History - 16 Jul 2026 at 15:36 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067419-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067419-2026 16th July 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/2ZAK72P477 - https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Research-and-experimental-development-services./2ZAK72P477 - 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-06cd3a. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a.json.