Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Contact
Vincent Tsang
Telephone
+44 1235466444
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UK - United Kingdom
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.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
SBRI FIP Challenge Application
Reference number
T/VT169/21
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
This is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. The aim of the competition is to develop solutions to fusion energy challenges in two key priority areas. This competition has two themes:
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
This is phase 1 of a potential 2 phase competition. A decision to proceed with phase 2 will depend on the outcomes from phase 1 and assessment of a separate application into a subsequent phase 2 competition.
Only successful applicants from phase 1 will be able to apply to take part in phase 2. Applicants for phase 2 will need to apply directly to the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £2,322,059
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
A Pre-commercial Procurement Activity
1.Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
To meet Net Zero targets, there is not enough time for traditional Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) approach for fusion power plants. Increasing emphasis will be placed upon emerging innovation from in silico engineering design:
Exascale artificial Intelligence era Digital Thread platform
beyond current Product Lifecycle Management
endures for the lifetime of the product (100 years)
low-code
time efficient
scalable
enable and promote automation
enable design integration
Optimise the extraction of information and knowledge from experiment and simulation
Text update 19 May 2021: we have changed the detail below to clarify what we are looking for in applications.
data science for experiment and simulation automation and optimisation
decisions based upon all prior data rather than tacit knowledge
dramatically improve extraction of information from data
surrogate models and emulators
improve extrapolation of simulation and empirical data
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: How well does the proposed idea/solution/technologies meet the challenge as detailed in the brief? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: How valid is the technical approach that will be adopted? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: How innovative is this project? To what extent does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools or technologies for this area? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: To what extent does the proposal show a clear plan for establishing technical and commercial feasibility and the development of a working prototype? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: To what extent does the applicant appear to have the right skills, capabilities and experience to deliver the intended benefits? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: Is there a clear commercial potential to lead to a marketable product, process or service and a clear plan to deliver that and route to market? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Cost criterion - Name: How appropriate is the proposal financially? Is the overall budget realistic and justified in terms of the aims and methods proposed? Are the costs appropriate and justified? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/925/overview#summary
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
A Pre-commercial procurement activity
2. Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for Hydrogen isotopes
Tritium is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of around 12 years, because of this natural reserves are scarce. Developing techniques for safely and efficiently managing hydrogen isotopes is an essential step in the path to making fusion a commercial energy source, for example:
Hydrogen Isotope Separation Technologies
improving efficiency of tritium and hydrogen systems (e.g. pumps, sealants, inner loop)
waste management and decommissioning
development of on-line Tritium production measurement (e.g. Raman spectroscopy)
tracking and location of hydrogen, e.g. Atom probe tomography, Raman spectroscopy
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: How well does the proposed idea/solution/technologies meet the challenge as detailed in the brief? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: How valid is the technical approach that will be adopted? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: How innovative is this project? To what extent does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools or technologies for this area? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: To what extent does the proposal show a clear plan for establishing technical and commercial feasibility and the development of a working prototype? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: To what extent does the applicant appear to have the right skills, capabilities and experience to deliver the intended benefits? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Quality criterion - Name: Is there a clear commercial potential to lead to a marketable product, process or service and a clear plan to deliver that and route to market? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
Cost criterion - Name: How appropriate is the proposal financially? Is the overall budget realistic and justified in terms of the aims and methods proposed? Are the costs appropriate and justified? / Weighting: 14.28571428571428571
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/925/overview#scope
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
This was a pre-commercial procurement activity lead by Innovate UK. All information relating to the tender can be found here : https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/925/overview#summary. An open, transparent and fair procurement process was still adhered to despite this RTM falling outside of PCR15.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
ASSYSTEM ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Lancashire
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £73,571
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
CAE Tech Limited
Leamington Spa
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £76,001
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
CORPORATE RISK ASSOSCIATES LIMITED
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £50,935
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
FIRST LIGHT FUSION LIMITED
Kidlington
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £249,454
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
FULL MATRIX LIMITED
Cambridge
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £111,210
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
HyBird Ltd
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £244,196
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
25 September 2020
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
SLINGSHOT SIMULATIONSLTD
Leeds
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £108,926
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Accelerating fusion power plant design with next-generation digital tools
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
10 September 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 27
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
Manchester
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £117,804
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
AQSORPTION LTD
Nottingham
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £237,322
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Cagecapture Limited
Liverpool
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £215,976
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Gencoa Limited
Liverpool
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £137,436
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
IDOM (UK) LIMITED
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £130,327
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
IS-INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
Kent
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £171,518
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Jacobs Clean Energy Limited
Warrington
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £186,511
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Reducing fusion power plant fuel requirements with advanced production and handling technology for hydrogen isotopes
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 August 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 18
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Bristol
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £210,872
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
VI.4.2)Body responsible for mediation procedures
VI.4.3)Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures:
The authority will incorporate a minimum 10 calendar day standstill period at the point information on the award of the contract is communicated to tenderers.
This period allows unsuccessful tenderers to seek further debriefing from the authority before a contract is entered into applicants have 2 working days from the notification of the award decision to request. Additional debriefing and that information have to be provided within a minimum of 3 working days before the expiry of the standstill period. Such additional information should be sought from the contact named in this notice.
If an appeal regarding the award of a contract has not been successfully resolved, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No. 102) provide for aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of the rules to take action in the High Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Any such action must be brought promptly.
(generally within 3 months).
six.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority