Scope
Description
STFC are looking to purchase a Pulsed Laser Diode Systems which will be used to pump a ytterbium:YAG laser amplifier generating pulses at a repetition rate of 10 Hz.
The Yb:YAG laser is being developed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) as a prototype demonstrator for a new diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) concept with the potential of providing a low-cost, efficient laser-driver for an inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant. It will be installed and operated at the Central Laser Facility (CLF) in a laser laboratory at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK.
Total value (estimated)
- £550,000 excluding VAT
- £660,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 15 September 2026
- Possible extension to 15 December 2029
- 4 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
The contract includes an option for the Contracting Authority to purchase additional Pulsed Laser Diode System at any time within forty-eight (48) months from the contract start date. This option may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Authority and is not guaranteed
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract includes an option for the Contracting Authority to purchase additional Pulsed Laser Diode System at any time within forty-eight (48) months from the contract start date. This option may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Authority and is not guaranteed
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 31712348 - Laser diodes
Contract locations
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
N/A
Technical ability conditions of participation
N/A
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
29 October 2025, 2:00pm
Tender submission deadline
10 November 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
To access this opportunity please click here: https://ukri2--prospend.vf.force.com/apex/CS_ContractPage?filters=&page=1&Preview=Yes&searchStr=&SearchType=Projects&sortStr=Alphabetical&uid=a1MTm0000088TjNMAU&sfdcIFrameOrigin=https://ukri2.lightning.force.com
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2. Navigate to the opportunity in the Find an Opportunity section of the site or via the direct access link above.
3. Select Register Interest (you will not be able to view the tender documentation without registering an interest).
4. Go back to the main menu and navigate to the My Proposals and Quotes section of the site.
5. Select the opportunity from the list. Tender Documents for download are found in the Documents tab.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 80% including 10% RP/Social Value |
Quality | 80.00% |
| Price | 20% Pricing |
Price | 20.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
N/A
Description of risks to contract performance
N/A
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Contact name: STFC Procurement
Telephone: +441793442000
Email: stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Website: https://www.ukri.org/
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government