Scope
Description
The open-air diffusion bonding technology presents a unique approach to manufacture of large-scale tungsten components. Unlike both traditional and advanced methods, this technique eliminates the need for vacuum conditions or tightly controlled atmospheres, thereby offering a more scalable and cost-effective solution for industrial applications.
7-month project for continuation of technical work that will further the Intellectual Property application related to open air diffusion bonding technology for fusion application.
Contract 1. Open Air Diffusion Bonding
Supplier
Contract value
- £220,000 excluding VAT
- £264,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
1 September 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 6 months, 29 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
Imperial College London hold the initial patent (P78409GB) on the technology under consideration and have carried out technology development work on the process for fusion (STEP) application (FY 24-25) under the Manufacturing Framework (project ID: MFFW034).
To work directly with ICL is considered the best-value option due to the pre-existing foundation of technical knowledge and associated background IP owned by ICL.
Supplier
IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
- Companies House: RC000231
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHRL-7217-LGHH
The faculty Building, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road
London
SW7 2AZ
United Kingdom
Email: j.prestt@imperial.ac.uk
Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Open Air Diffusion Bonding
Contracting authority
UK INDUSTRIAL FUSION SOLUTIONS LTD
- Companies House: 14620804
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCRM-7973-DCBL
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government