--- title: "Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS)" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority" published: "2026-09-03" --- # Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS) Buyer: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6.json) ## Summary The UK Atomic Energy Authority is exploring the development of a Whole Energy Absorption Spectrometer (WEAS), specifically a 4-pi scintillator detection system for measuring decay heat. The requirement concerns specialist scientific instruments and testing and measurement apparatus, including spectrometer technology. The purpose of this early activity is to understand what industry can deliver, the experience suppliers already have, and the technical or practical limitations that may affect development. Delivery is intended across the United Kingdom. This is a goods requirement, with the work focused on designing and developing advanced detection equipment rather than routine supply of standard laboratory instruments. It is likely to interest businesses working in radiation detection, scintillation systems, nuclear measurement, spectroscopy, instrumentation, or closely related research and development fields. This procurement is at the planning stage: UKAEA has stated an intention to procure and is gathering market intelligence, rather than inviting tenders. The expected approach is a tender under the Procurement Act 2023, with one lot. The lot is currently planned to run from 15 March 2027 to 28 June 2027, and the buyer expects a subsequent notice on 4 January 2027. Preliminary market engagement is scheduled for 2 October 2026. The recorded gross value is £0 GBP. The procurement is identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The engagement is intended to inform UKAEA’s understanding of industry capability, relevant experience and development constraints before any future competitive procurement is arranged. This early engagement will suit suppliers able to contribute credible evidence about developing 4-pi scintillator detection systems for decay heat measurement. Strong candidates are likely to have experience in nuclear instrumentation, radiation or particle detection, scintillator design, spectrometer development, experimental physics, measurement systems integration, or advanced testing equipment. Relevant capability may include designing detector geometries, collecting and interpreting measurement data, integrating sensors and electronics, and managing development risks in technically demanding environments. Businesses with experience delivering research and development for nuclear, energy, scientific or other highly regulated applications should be well placed to explain what is technically achievable and where limitations remain. The stated SME suitability may make this particularly relevant to specialist technology firms, innovative engineering businesses and research-led suppliers preparing for a later tender. ## Notice UKAEA wishes to gather an understanding of the industry capabilities, experience, and limitations in developing a 4-pi scintillator detection system for decay heat measurement. ### Planning Information https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=108768&TID=100113825&B= ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083645-2026 | | 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 | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 3 Sep 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 4 Jan 2027 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 15 Mar 2027 - 28 Jun 2027 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | 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 Atomic Energy Authority | | Locality | OXFORDSHIRE | | Postcode area | 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 - 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) ### Codes - 38433000 - Spectrometers - 38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring ## Release History - 3 Sep 2026 at 16:32 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083645-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083645-2026 3rd September 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=108768&TID=100113825&B= - 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-06f1a6. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06f1a6.json.