Scope
Description
Sellafield Ltd plans to procure bespoke metrology hardware, software, and support services from Hexagon Metrology Ltd to enable internal measurement and testing while ensuring compatibility with existing resources and constraints. The solution must:
Hardware:
Be fully compatible with existing Sellafield's manufactured products organisation (MPO) Measurement and Test Equipment (MTE) . Expand capacity and capability to meet demand. Deliver ISO-compliant performance with verified maximum permissible error data across the working range. Selection supported by capability studies and supply chain analysis. Enable independent verification when combined with current assets.
Software:
Fully compatible with existing platforms (PC-DMIS, Spatial Analyzer, PolyWorks). No new software to avoid retraining and workflow disruption.
Programs & Automation:
Maintain compatibility with existing automation and inspection routines. Avoid re-creation/validation on alternative platforms, which would add significant risk of re-work and delivery risk.
Portfolio Support:
Support independent product verification under Sellafield's new product introduction process (NPI). Enable ad-hoc projects (measurement system analysis, design case studies, high-accuracy inspection). Facilitate future measurement programs and strategies for new products.
Suitably Qualified and Experienced Persons (SQEP) Alignment:
Operate within current metrology resource and subject matter expert limits. Avoid additional training or new platforms to prevent delivery impact.
Contract 1. Manufactured Products Metrology Equipment
Supplier
Contract value
- £788,177.93 excluding VAT
- £945,933.52 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
21 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 January 2026 to 31 August 2026
- 7 months, 10 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38300000 - Measuring instruments
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
It has been determined that in current circumstances that competition is absent for technical reasons pursuant to Schedule 5 paragraph 6(a)(b) and 7(a)(b) of the Procurement Act 2023.
Justification for the award is as follows:
A change in supplier would result in the contract authority receiving goods that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing works. Introducing new technology could result in a lack of technical compatibility and disproportionate cost/risk of alternatives. This is supported by documented evidence:
Established Compatibility:
o Existing Hexagon equipment and software (PC-DMIS, SpatialAnalyzer) are integral to existing Sellafield manufactured product organisation (MPO) programs and automation routines. Introducing alternative platforms would require extensive reprogramming, validation, and retraining, creating significant cost and delivery risk. Such an impact on Sellafield manufacturing operations is considered to be disproportionate given the nature of the award.
Performance Assurance:
o Hexagon provides verified maximum permissible error data in line with ISO standards, ensuring measurement traceability and compliance.
Suitably Qualified and Experienced Persons (SQEP) Constraints:
o Current resource limitations and training capacity prevent the introduction of new primary software platforms without impacting critical delivery.
Risk and Cost of Alternatives:
o Diversifying to other suppliers would involve a long learning curve, additional validation studies, and potential disruption to established workflows, resulting in disproportionate cost and operational risk.
Supplier
Hexagon Metrology Limited
- Companies House: 01523574
Metrology House
Shropshire
TF7 4PL
United Kingdom
Email: orders.uk@hexagon.com
Region: UKG21 - Telford and Wrekin
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Manufactured Products Metrology Equipment
Contracting authority
Sellafield Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWYP-8439-MZWY
Hinton House, Birchwood Park Avenue
Warrington
WA3 6GR
United Kingdom
Contact name: Steven Macilwaine
Email: steven.macilwaine@sellafieldsites.com
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/sellafield-ltd
Region: UKD61 - Warrington
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government