Scope
Reference
GFL/2025/04
Description
The procured services consist of the development of a fully visualised digital twin of the
Glass Futures plant. The project includes the development of a scientifically accurate
multi-physics furnace model (CFD, chemistry, mathematics and physics) capable of
performing digital experiments via 'what if...?' simulations programmed through a bespoke
graphical user interface (also part of this procurement). The digital twin will integrate with
the Glass Futures control system in order that it will display live, accurate, plant data.
Contract 1. The Supply and Delivery of a Multiphysics Model and Furnace Digital Twin
Supplier
Contract value
- £323,000 excluding VAT
- £387,600 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
27 November 2025
Contract dates
- 28 November 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 4 months, 3 days
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Hosting and Support Services
CPV classifications
- 72230000 - Custom software development services
- 72211000 - Programming services of systems and user software
- 72110000 - Hardware selection consultancy services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 48151000 - Computer control system
- 48520000 - Multimedia software package
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Unique, one-off, short -term contract
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Prototypes and development
We have directly awarded this contract under the Prototypes and Development criteria. The project involves significant technical uncertainty, rapid iteration, and close integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermodynamics, and glass melt chemistry with artificial intelligence and machine learning. These are highly specialised capabilities that cannot be sourced through a standard competitive procurement process without significantly increasing project risk. The supplier to which we have awarded the contract has a proven track record of high profile digital twin development using CFD-based approaches that can be a) have their parameters adjusted via a GUI to afford a fast, novel simulation environment and b) graphically visualised using state-of-the-art graphic rendering computed at the point of simulation. Moreover, they are experienced in the use of open-source development environments and are experienced in the integration of multiple data sources and development platforms
Supplier
The University of Liverpool
- Companies House: RC000660
765 Brownlow Hill
Liverpool
L697ZX
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@liverpool.ac.uk
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. The Supply and Delivery of a Multiphysics Model and Furnace Digital Twin
Contracting authority
Glass Futures
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYHR-8347-NYPX
James Roby Way
St Helens
WA95DT
United Kingdom
Region: UKD71 - East Merseyside
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)