Scope
Reference
JNCA/TM168/25
Description
The LLiMFA is at a preliminary design stage and UKAEA are now looking for potential suppliers to progress the design development and produce a Detailed Design of the test loop for the Fusion Technology Facility alongside CHIMERA. Creation of the LLiMFA will allow the supply of Liquid Lead Lithium to both test apparatus, for the research and development of components and materials for use in future fusion systems. The project deliverable this year is a detailed design of the loop that will incorporate further research into ensuring the outstanding challenges from the preliminary design stage can be solved, as well as developing the status of existing work to the point of manufacture (albeit no manufacturing will take place this year).
Contract 1. Lead Lithium Experimentation Loop
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,200,000 excluding VAT
- £1,440,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
3 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 4 November 2025 to 3 November 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 51230000 - Installation services of testing equipment
- 98130000 - Miscellaneous membership organisations services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
None know
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
- Continuity of Design: Frazer-Nash led the preliminary design phase, producing ~28 technical documents and passing UKAEA's design gate review. Their continued involvement avoids regression to concept phase and ensures design momentum. - Fusion Expertise: They demonstrated strong fusion sector knowledge, technical capability, and alignment with UKAEA's design philosophy. - Risk Mitigation: Switching suppliers would risk delays, increased costs, and design misalignment, as new consultants may not adopt or understand the existing design. - Strategic Planning: Frazer-Nash provided a clear roadmap from detailed design through to future manufacture and commissioning, even though this phase focuses solely on design.
Supplier
Frasier Nash LLC
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVXN-4166-QPYR
Hill Park Court
Leatherhead
KT22 7NL
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@fnc.co.uk
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lead Lithium Experimentation Loop
Contracting authority
UK Atomic Energy Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLJV-1169-JTDD
Culham Science Centre
Oxfordshire
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Tony Morris
Telephone: +12 35528822
Email: tony.morris@ukaea.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government