Scope
Reference
C0842
Description
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) intends to make a direct award for the purchase of a 5‑axis machining centre required to support operational and technical activities at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre.
Contract 1. UKRI‑5756 5-axis CNC mill
Supplier
Contract value
- £248,475 excluding VAT
- £298,170 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
18 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 February 2026 to 20 March 2026
- 1 month, 2 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 42000000 - Industrial machinery
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
none
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The required 5‑axis machining centre must be fully compatible with the existing CNC equipment and CAM programming environment used by the UK Astronomy Technology Centre. Maintaining commonality of control systems, tooling, and machine programmes is essential for operational efficiency, technician safety, and the continued use of an established programme library built over more than a decade. The replacement machine is needed to restore capacity lost due to persistent failures in the outgoing unit. Market review indicates that alternative mid‑range machines do not meet the required control‑system compatibility necessary for seamless integration with existing operations.
Supplier
Haas Automation Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBXD-5887-JNTT
2 Convent Road
Norwich
NR2 1PA
United Kingdom
Email: ccole@haas.co.uk
Website: https://www.haas.co.uk/
Region: UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. UKRI‑5756 5-axis CNC mill
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government