Award

Nuclear Sponsorships Scheme

  • Ministry of Defence

UK5: Transparency notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-043421

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0566fc (view related notices)

Published 28 July 2025, 12:24pm



Scope

Description

The Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme is designed to address the pressing need for skilled professionals within the nuclear sector, encompassing both civil and defence applications. Recognising the significant demand for degree-educated individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, and the current under-representation among those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, this initiative aims to foster social mobility while fulfilling critical workforce requirements. This is through offering comprehensive support, including full funding for tuition fees, summer placements, additional bursaries, and support for job placement upon degree completion.


Contract 1. Nuclear Sponsorships Scheme

Supplier

Contract value

  • £3,113,000 excluding VAT
  • £3,113,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Earliest date the contract will be signed

11 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 12 August 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • 2 years, 7 months, 20 days

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 80000000 - Education and training services
  • 80300000 - Higher education services

Contract locations

  • UK - United Kingdom

Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Other information

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Direct award

Direct award justification

Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement

Due to Cohort 1 already being on contract, and in Year 1 of their scheme, it is imperative to ensure continuity of funding and provision for Year 2 and Year 3 of Cohort 1's scheme. Due to the academic timetable, Marketing and Attraction has already been contracted, via a TAF on a previous contract, for getting students onto Cohort 2. As such, remaining with Cogent Skills Services Ltd is the only solution for the Cohort 1 and 2 students to use this scheme. The Cohort 3 contract will be competitively procured.


Supplier

Cogent Skills Services Ltd

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDR-3797-CGLZ

720 Mandarin Court

Warrington

WA1 1GG

United Kingdom

Region: UKD61 - Warrington

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Contract 1. Nuclear Sponsorships Scheme


Contracting authority

Ministry of Defence

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ

Abbey Wood

Bristol

BS34 8JH

United Kingdom

Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Organisation type: Public authority - central government