Scope
Description
The Academic Research theme will address research related issues raised by the RAICo Collaboration partners and develop ideas at a low Technical Readiness Level (TRL) to such a point where an initial proof of concept can be developed for further development by the RAICo programme.
Contract 1. RAICo Academic Research Theme 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £900,000 excluding VAT
- £1,080,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
17 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 December 2025 to 1 April 2026
- 3 months, 16 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
This Direct Award is justified under Schedule 5, paragraphs 4-6 of the Procurement Act 2023, on the basis that the University of Manchester (UoM) holds unique and bespoke robotic platforms, and site-specific infrastructure developed and deployed during Phase 1 of the RAICo programme. These resources and capabilities are not reasonably available from another supplier. Awarding this contract to a different supplier would require significant duplication of time, cost, and technical development, and would result in material incompatibility with the research tools and demonstrators developed in Phase 1. The University has also embedded research staff and equipment at the RAICo1 facility, and switching suppliers would result in disproportionate onboarding time and loss of embedded institutional knowledge. The work also includes ongoing research and experimental development activities, including design, testing, and validation of new robotic capabilities for nuclear decommissioning. As such, this award also meets the conditions of Schedule 5, paragraphs 2-3, covering services related to prototypes, proof-of-concept demonstrators, and feasibility testing of low-TRL technologies. This combination of prior exclusive capability, and continued R&D work makes UoM the only suitable supplier capable of continuing delivery without unnecessary duplication or delay, in line with the strategic objectives of the RAICo programme
Supplier
University of Manchester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTWB-5852-GWDM
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. RAICo Academic Research Theme 2
Contracting authority
UK Atomic Energy Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLJV-1169-JTDD
Culham Science Centre
Oxfordshire
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Colette Broadwith
Telephone: +44 1142293734
Email: colette.broadwith@ukaea.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government