Scope
Description
NPL will create new semiconductor metrology capabilities to improve the UK's infrastructure for pre-competitive semiconductor innovation, supporting investment and growth in next-generation materials and processes. The project will create metrology capability to support the manufacture of advanced semiconductor materials for end use in power electronics, radio frequency (RF) communications, and optoelectronics.
New capabilities will be hosted at NPL and academic partners and made available to UK industry to de-risk investments, support growth, and secure access to international markets.
Contract 1. Supply of Semiconductor Metrology NMI
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,200,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
19 September 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 6 months, 12 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Prototypes and development
- Single supplier - technical reasons
NPL is the UK's National Metrology Institute, uniquely responsible for developing and maintaining national primary measurement standards.
The project requires specialist metrology expertise and infrastructure that only NPL possesses, particularly in pre-competitive semiconductor measurement and standards development.
No other supplier has the technical capability or mandate to deliver these services, and the work is foundational to UK innovation infrastructure rather than commercially viable for private firms.
Supplier
NPL Management Limited
- Companies House: 02937881
Hampton Road
Teddington
TW11 0LW
United Kingdom
Email: etenders@npl.co.uk
Region: UKI75 - Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Supply of Semiconductor Metrology NMI
Contracting authority
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWZ-3216-PVQL
22 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EG
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government