Scope
Reference
PP-UKIFS-334c
Description
An integrated system that will provide cooling for the high heat flux testing for the STEP in-vessel components, as well as cooling the auxiliary systems required for operation, as part of the High Heat Flux Testing and Verification Facility. This system will include:
Temperature Control Unit (226 kW cooling capacity, 150 kW heating capacity and a maximum operating temperature of 350°C)
Chiller (350 kW cooling capacity)
Design of the Temperature Control Unit and Chiller System, along with all necessary components for operation.
Commissioning of the system.
Installation of the system.
This system is very similar to the operational HIVE test rig which has used this supplier for the last seven years and shares the same fundamental design concept, many similar components, the cooling system and operational principles. These specific nuances are currently only understood by ICS Cool Energy.
This project is an extension of the organisation's Induction-heating based HHF testing programme and there is a stakeholder requirement to ensure equipment is directly comparable, and compatible to the HIVE facility, including physical interfaces, control, and data acquisition (see approved TD-0012050-A: SHR-010, SHR-011, SHR-013). As a result another supplier would have to retrofit the HIVE test to match the proposed HHFTVF facility increasing the cost beyond what we have been quoted.
The absence of this system poses a significant technical risk to the project, as it will result in certain key stakeholder requirements falling out of scope and lead to a diminished operational capability, such as the inability to accurately replicate the first wall environment as well as future use cases. (see approved TD-0012050-A: SHR-008, SHR-009, SHR-016)
To view this notice, please click here:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=965436132
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £329,054 excluding VAT
- £394,864.80 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
25 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 26 July 2025 to 25 January 2026
- 6 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 42510000 - Heat-exchange units, air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment, and filtering machinery
- 45331230 - Installation work of cooling equipment
- 50721000 - Commissioning of heating installations
- 51100000 - Installation services of electrical and mechanical equipment
- 71321000 - Engineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - further goods, services or works following a competitive procedure
This project is an extension of the organisation's induction heating-based HHF testing program, with a stakeholder requirement to ensure that the equipment is directly comparable and compatible with the HIVE facility which has utilised a very similar cooling system from this supplier for the last seven years. This includes physical interfaces, control systems, and data acquisition (see approved TD-0012050-A: SHR-013).
Our facility needs a distinctive combination of components, most of which are commercial off-the-shelf and suitable for their intended purpose. However, addressing our specific requirements requires a deeper understanding of our needs. The proposed supplier has extensive experience with the HIVE facility, making them uniquely qualified to provide post-purchase support as an extension of their current HIVE services.
Using the same supplier allows for consolidation of maintenance contracts which in turn will lead to cost savings through economies of scale, streamlined administrative processes, and improved response times, ultimately enhancing budget predictability and reducing overall operational expenses.
The team responsible for operating HIVE will also manage HHFTVF. Utilizing equipment from the same manufacturer will mitigate the inherent risks associated with operating new machinery and reduce the costs associated with training staff to operate and troubleshoot a new test rig.
ICS Cool Energy is the best positioned supplier to fully satisfies specific requirements for the temperature control unit, including heating power, cooling power, and operational temperature. (see TCU & Chiller Market Research Document)
Supplier
ICS COOL ENERGY LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRH-1519-HLXY
Ics House Stephenson Road, Calmore Industrial Estate, Totton
Southampton
SO40 3SA
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jon Reeve
Email: jon.reeve@icscoolenergy.com
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCRM-7973-DCBL
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Operational Procurement
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government