Scope
Reference
PP-UKIFS-422
Description
Description of services:
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.
Why it is needed:
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.
Contract 1. ICL 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
6 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 October 2025 to 2 April 2026
- 5 months, 28 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy 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
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
A previous contract - the scope of which was to identify and develop a manufacturing method suitable for large-scale tungsten blocks with embedded pipes - was let through a competitive framework (Manufacturing Framework). The framework set-up was 4 Tier 1 suppliers, each with a consortium of Tier 2s and further option of sub-contracting to relevant SMEs according to project scope requirements, set up this way in order to maximise reach to relevant technical offerings. The supplier of the winning bid for this contract was Altrad Babcock, due to the project proposal offered: their bid was to develop the technology and IP that Imperial own and was assessed as the best technical offering.
Hence, the contract was awarded (FY24/25, project ref: MFFW034). Imperial hold the technical foundation of knowledge; Altrad Babcock's role in that previous project was Tier 1 project management.
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. ICL 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