Scope
Reference
PP-UKIFS-247
Description
UKIFS STEP programme seeks to establish a materials testing framework to enable timely and efficient testing of magnet and Vacuum vessel and in-vessel systems (ViVS) materials over the next eight years. The purpose of this procurement is to pre-qualify a number of market-leading specialist test providers who will be called upon to fulfil the requirements for testing as and when these requirements ("call-off contracts") arise. UKIFS will enter into Framework Agreement contract with these suppliers, which will be used as an overarching contract putting in place a compliant mechanism to order specific tests.
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Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £3,500,000 excluding VAT
- £4,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 38970000 - Research, testing and scientific technical simulator
- 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
- 71632000 - Technical testing services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Not the same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Lot 1 Magnets Materials Mechanical and Thermal tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within Magnets Materials Mechanical and Thermal tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 October 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Magnets Materials Electrical Tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within Magnets Materials Electrical Tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 July 2028
- 2 years, 9 months
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Magnets Materials HTS Tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within Magnets Materials HTS Tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 July 2028
- 2 years, 9 months
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. VIVS Mechanical Tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within VIVS Mechanical Tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 October 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. VIVS Thermophysical Tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within VIVS Thermophysical Tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 October 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. VIVS Miscellaneous Tests
Description
Please refer to the tender documents for the list of tests within VIVS Miscellaneous Tests lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2027
- Possible extension to 30 October 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
The first framework term can be extended by one year.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
30 October 2033
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Further information about fees
not applicable
Framework operation description
Please refer to procurement documents for the selection process for the award of contracts.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Lot 1 Magnets Materials Mechanical and Thermal tests
Lot 2. Magnets Materials Electrical Tests
Lot 3. Magnets Materials HTS Tests
Lot 4. VIVS Mechanical Tests
Lot 5. VIVS Thermophysical Tests
Lot 6. VIVS Miscellaneous Tests
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
18 August 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
28 August 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Compliant tenders must be submitted before the deadline through the tendering platform https://www.delta-esourcing.com/
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
7 October 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. Lot 1 Magnets Materials Mechanical and Thermal tests
Lot 4. VIVS Mechanical Tests
Lot 5. VIVS Thermophysical Tests
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Criterion 2 | Quality | 80% |
| Criterion 1 | Price | 20% |
Lot 2. Magnets Materials Electrical Tests
Lot 3. Magnets Materials HTS Tests
Lot 6. VIVS Miscellaneous Tests
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Criterion 1 | Quality | 100% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCRM-7973-DCBL
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1235 464381
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)