Planning

Fusion Futures: Uncertainty Quantification for Plasma Control Frameworks

  • United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2024/S 000-017610

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-046e02

Published 6 June 2024, 1:49pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

Culham Campus

Abingdon

OX14 3DB

Contact

Charlotte Byrne

Email

charlotte.byrne@ukaea.uk

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UKJ14 - Oxfordshire

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=82440&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

Fusion Futures: Uncertainty Quantification for Plasma Control Frameworks

Reference number

T/CB085/24

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 72266000 - Software consultancy services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

UKAEA wishes to engage with potential prime contractors, for the provision of research and development consultancy services to the UKAEA.

The project seeks to apply state of the art methods and techniques from the field of uncertainty quantification to the development of real-time plasma control systems.

The goal is to develop specific software components which must integrate effectively with existing control frameworks developed in C++. There is some flexibility in exactly how the new capabilities should be interfaced but the resulting system is required to have highly deterministic behaviour with bounded latency and jitter suitable for deployment in the plasma control environment.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £150,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
  • 72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services
  • 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
  • UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance

OX14 3DB

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

UKAEA wishes to engage with potential prime contractors, for the provision of research and development consultancy services to the UKAEA.

The project seeks to apply state of the art methods and techniques from the field of uncertainty quantification to the development of real-time plasma control systems.

The goal is to develop specific software components which must integrate effectively with existing control frameworks developed in C++. There is some flexibility in exactly how the new capabilities should be interfaced but the resulting system is required to have highly deterministic behaviour with bounded latency and jitter suitable for deployment in the plasma control environment.

The focus is on developing practical components using agile methodology and able to deliver production software quickly. As such, the requirement is to identify potential suppliers capable of demonstrating not only competencies in the specified fields, but experience of deploying solutions in demanding environments. Ideally this would include awareness or experience in fusion control. Equivalent alternative domain knowledge and appropriate subject matter expertise would be considered.

UKAEA will be able to provide support on many aspects of plasma control and on the software frameworks used in fusion. A potential supplier must bring expertise in uncertainty quantification and have sufficient complementary skills to be able to effectively engage with the UKAEA controls team.

After the engagement exercise, UKAEA intend to issue an Invitation to Tender through the EU Supply and Find a Tender portals (replacement to Tenders Electronic Daily) to procure services for design and development through competitively tendered contracts.

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


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

Webinar to be held 4th July 2024, registration link can be found in supporting documents.