Scope
Reference
DNO/488
Description
The training provider will be responsible for the design and delivery of the Safety Case Author training pilot course. The programme will comprise ten modules, each structured to progressively build foundational knowledge, technical competence, and practical application skills relevant to safety case authoring in the UK nuclear sector.
The pilot course will incorporate a blend of classroom-based instruction, formal knowledge testing, and hands-on practical exercises to ensure learners gain both theoretical understanding and applied capability. The course will be specifically tailored for individuals who are new to both the nuclear industry and safety case roles.
To support accessibility across Scotland, the course will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining in-person and virtual learning. The programme should be condensed into a 1–2week format, with flexibility around scheduling to accommodate learner and organisational needs.
Contract 1. DNO/488- Safety Case Author Career Switcher Programme Pilot Scheme
Supplier
Contract value
- £65,000 excluding VAT
- £78,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
13 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 16 March 2026 to 30 June 2026
- 3 months, 16 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Prototypes and development
This direct award is justified under Schedule 5, Paragraph 2 of the Procurement Act 2023 as the requirement is for a one‑off pilot course undertaken for the purposes of testing, development and evaluation, rather than for routine operational delivery.
The pilot will be used to assess the viability, suitability and effectiveness of the proposed course content and delivery model, and to inform the design of any future competitive procurement should the approach prove successful.
Previous attempts to competitively source a suitable provider have not yielded an acceptable solution, which further supports the need for a prototype‑stage trial before going to market. For these reasons, a direct award is proportionate and meets the criteria for the ‘Prototypes and Development’ justification under the Procurement Act 2023.
Supplier
Ayrshire College
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQW-4681-QCWH
18-20 Hill Street , Kilmarnock Campus
Kilmarnock,
KA8 0EU
United Kingdom
Email: engage@ayrshire.ac.uk
Region: UKM94 - South Ayrshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. DNO/488- Safety Case Author Career Switcher Programme Pilot Scheme
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
MOD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
United Kingdom
Email: DNE-SupplyChain@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government