Planning

A Fusion Engineering Doctoral Training Partnership

  • United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2024/S 000-014161

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0456c1

Published 2 May 2024, 10:19am



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

Culham Campus

Abingdon

OX14 3DB

Contact

Lynda Parker

Email

lynda.parker@ukaea.uk

Telephone

+44 1235464626

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UKJ - South East (England)

National registration number

N/A

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority

Buyer's address

https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/72814

one.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=81304&B=UKAEA

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

one.5) Main activity

Other activity

Fusion Research


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

A Fusion Engineering Doctoral Training Partnership

Reference number

T-LP063/24

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 73100000 - Research and experimental development services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

The FOSTER – Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research - programme has been set up to deliver this government target as an initiative to enhance the UK’s fusion skills ecosystem, with international reach, that can train and grow the fusion generation who will be responsible for putting fusion energy on the grid.

The primary output that this competition is looking to achieve is the training of several cohorts of structured doctoral level (PhD, EngD, or other doctoral level qualification) students in disciplines associated with the engineering of a fusion pilot plant, with skills sets ready to be utilised within the future fusion workforce in the UK. We are seeking to appoint one or more educational establishments, or consortia thereof, who are interested in working with UKAEA to develop and deliver a new focussed platform for doctoral training in fusion engineering disciplines.

Further details can be found in the request for expression of interest attached.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £9,500,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 80300000 - Higher education services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ1 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Main site or place of performance

Abingdon

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The UKAEA, working with the fusion skills council as a cross-sector group from industry, educational establishments, and research establishments, have estimated that the fusion workforce will need to grow by ca. 2000 - 3000 individuals in the next five years to meet the ambitions of fusion development programmes in the UKs public and private sectors.

The FOSTER – Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research - programme has been set up to deliver this government target as an initiative to enhance the UK’s fusion skills ecosystem, with international reach, that can train and grow the fusion generation who will be responsible for putting fusion energy on the grid. This programme will target interventions across all entry pathways into the fusion sector, from entry-level through to post-doc.

The primary output that this competition is looking to achieve is the training of several cohorts of structured doctoral level (PhD, EngD, or other doctoral level qualification) students in disciplines associated with the engineering of a fusion pilot plant, with skills sets ready to be utilised within the future fusion workforce in the UK. We would also welcome wider embedding of a fusion context within undergraduate or postgraduate education and/or enhanced industrial engagement with skills development as secondary objectives of this partnership. In undertaking this competition, UKAEA have actively consulted EPSRC and will continue to do so throughout the process.

UKAEA are seeking to appoint one or more educational establishments, or consortia thereof, who are interested in working with UKAEA to develop and deliver a new focussed platform for doctoral training in fusion engineering disciplines. No prior engagement in fusion doctoral training is required to enter this competition.

two.2.14) Additional information

Please refer to the request for expression of interest attached to this PIN.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

30 September 2024


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes