Scope
Procurement reference
PP-UKFE-273
Procurement description
Background
The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme aims to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant by 2040, while also developing a robust fusion supply chain and a pathway to commercial fusion. Achieving this vision requires the delivery of an unprecedented and complex engineering design, alongside a major infrastructure project involving a large and diverse supply chain, all on an ambitious timeline.
STEP is a central component of the UK’s long-term vision for commercial fusion energy and national energy security. The STEP programme directly supports the UK Government’s strategic objectives in clean energy innovation, energy resilience, and global technological leadership. Fusion energy is recognised as a potential transformative low-carbon energy source, offering long-term reductions in reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating exposure to volatile international energy markets.
System Partners Opportunity
UKFE is seeking to procure suitable Suppliers (an individual organisation, consortium or joint venture) across 5 Lots to support the delivery of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant. The information for each Lot below represents an overview of the requirements and the definitive statement of UKFE’s requirements is set out in the Capability Statements provided with the procurement documents.
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years.
The maximum value for each Lot is set out below and includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at:
https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./3M5EHF9G8W
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/respond/3M5EHF9G8W
Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)
115000000.00 GBP to 115000000.00GBP
Contract dates (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM to 31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 March 2031
Lots
Divided into 5 lots
Breeder Blanket System Partner (BBSP)
Lot number: 1 Description
UKFE is seeking to establish a Breeder Blanket System Partner (BBSP) to lead the delivery of the Breeder Blanket System, working closely with UKFE and other partners. The BBSP will provide critical capabilities regarding the design, integration and the realisation of designs through to manufacture and operation of the Breeder Blanket System. This includes providing capabilities for management of all engineering data, responsibility for the detailed design of SPP systems, equipment and components and contracting through the supply chain. The BBSP will work with all the other STEP partners to ensure the delivery of the integrated design to support the delivery and operations of the SPP.
CPV classifications
- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71330000 - Miscellaneous engineering services
- 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
- 42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73110000 - Research services
Lot value (estimated)
20000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
24000000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
31 March 2031, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded
3
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded
UKFE will award the contract for each Lot to a single Supplier. UKFE may award more than one Lot to one Supplier. However, UKFE reserves the right not to make any award for any or all lots and such a decision does not prevent UKFE from awarding the remaining lots.
Win Restriction
UKFE will apply a win restriction on this procurement. A single bidder is not permitted to win more than three (3) Lots, unless as otherwise provided for in the ITT. Further detail on this win restriction is set out in the ITT.
Participation
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Award criteria
Type: price
Name
Commercial
Weighting: 30
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Technical
Weighting: 50
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Economic Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Fuel Cycle System Partner (FCSP)
Lot number: 2 Description
UKFE is seeking to establish a Fuel Cycle System Partner (FCSP) to support and then lead on the delivery of key fuelling and fuel cycle sub-systems, working closely with UKFE and other partners. The FCSP will provide critical capabilities regarding the design, integration and the realisation of designs through to manufacture, delivery and operation of the Fuel Cycle System.
This will require design and delivery. The FCSP will work with all other partners to ensure the delivery of a coherent and safe integrated fuel cycle design. This will require the provision of embedded resources to tackle complex design integration challenges but also entail the delivery of significant set packages of design work requiring execution at pace and scale.
CPV classifications
- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
- 72242000 - Design-modelling services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 79421000 - Project-management services other than for construction work
Lot value (estimated)
20000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
24000000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
31 March 2031, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded
3
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded
UKFE will award the contract for each Lot to a single Supplier. UKFE may award more than one Lot to one Supplier. However, UKFE reserves the right not to make any award for any or all lots and such a decision does not prevent UKFE from awarding the remaining lots.
Win Restriction
UKFE will apply a win restriction on this procurement. A single bidder is not permitted to win more than three (3) Lots, unless as otherwise provided for in the ITT. Further detail on this win restriction is set out in the ITT.
Participation
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Award criteria
Type: price
Name
Commercial
Weighting: 30
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Technical
Weighting: 50
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Economic Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Test Operations Partner (TOP)
Lot number: 3 Description
UKFE is seeking to establish a Test Operations Partner (TOP) to lead operations of UKFE test facilities and associated test activities, working closely with UKFE and other partners. The TOP will be critical to building confidence in and further defining the SPP design, while establishing test and operational capabilities that can support its future development and the wider fusion industrialisation. The generated test data and conclusions from these activities will directly inform the design and safety justification of the SPP. The TOP is not expected to undertake detailed engineering design of facilities or Test Rigs, except where explicitly instructed. UKFE retains accountability for test requirements and engineering intent, whilst rig suppliers retain accountability for rig design.
CPV classifications
- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 50710000 - Repair and maintenance services of electrical and mechanical building installations
- 73111000 - Research laboratory services
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
Lot value (estimated)
35000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
42000000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
31 March 2031, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded
3
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded
UKFE will award the contract for each Lot to a single Supplier. UKFE may award more than one Lot to one Supplier. However, UKFE reserves the right not to make any award for any or all lots and such a decision does not prevent UKFE from awarding the remaining lots.
Win Restriction
UKFE will apply a win restriction on this procurement. A single bidder is not permitted to win more than three (3) Lots, unless as otherwise provided for in the ITT. Further detail on this win restriction is set out in the ITT.
Participation
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Award criteria
Type: price
Name
Commercial
Weighting: 30
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Technical
Weighting: 50
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Economic Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Control System Partner (CSP)
Lot number: 4 Description
UKFE is seeking to establish a Control System Partner (CSP) to lead the delivery and integration of control systems across all areas of the plant, working closely with UKFE and other partners. The CSP will provide critical capabilities regarding the design, integration and the realisation of designs through to manufacture and operation of the plant control systems. This includes providing capabilities for management of all engineering data, responsibility for the detailed design of SPP control systems, equipment and components and contracting through the supply chain. The CSP will work with all other STEP partners to ensure the delivery of the integrated design to support delivery and operations of the SPP.
CPV classifications
- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
- 72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 79421000 - Project-management services other than for construction work
Lot value (estimated)
15000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
18000000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
31 March 2031, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded
3
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded
UKFE will award the contract for each Lot to a single Supplier. UKFE may award more than one Lot to one Supplier. However, UKFE reserves the right not to make any award for any or all lots and such a decision does not prevent UKFE from awarding the remaining lots.
Win Restriction
UKFE will apply a win restriction on this procurement. A single bidder is not permitted to win more than three (3) Lots, unless as otherwise provided for in the ITT. Further detail on this win restriction is set out in the ITT.
Participation
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Award criteria
Type: price
Name
Commercial
Weighting: 30
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Technical
Weighting: 50
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Economic Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
System Engineering and Whole Plant Integration Partner (SEWPIP)
Lot number: 5 Description
UKFE is seeking to establish a Systems Engineering and Whole Plant Integration Partner (SEWPIP) to provide critical capabilities, primarily within the Design Authority (DA) but also within the wider Integrated Projects Teams, to enable the STEP DA to discharge its responsibilities effectively during Tranche 2A. This includes providing SEWPIP capability to support the definition, coordination, and integration of the fusion plant systems to ensure a functional, safe and efficient single operational facility outcome. The SEWPIP will work alongside the DA and other STEP partners to ensure the integration of design to support the overall outcome of the programme.
CPV classifications
- 71300000 - Engineering services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71350000 - Engineering-related scientific and technical services
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
- 72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 79421000 - Project-management services other than for construction work
Lot value (estimated)
25000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT
30000000.00 GBP Including VAT
Sustainability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contract start date (estimated)
23 April 2027, 00:00AM
Contract end date (estimated)
31 March 2029, 23:59PM
Extension end date (estimated)
31 March 2031, 23:59PM
Can the contract be extended?
Yes
Description of extensions
The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period.
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded
3
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded
UKFE will award the contract for each Lot to a single Supplier. UKFE may award more than one Lot to one Supplier. However, UKFE reserves the right not to make any award for any or all lots and such a decision does not prevent UKFE from awarding the remaining lots.
Win Restriction
UKFE will apply a win restriction on this procurement. A single bidder is not permitted to win more than three (3) Lots, unless as otherwise provided for in the ITT. Further detail on this win restriction is set out in the ITT.
Participation
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Conditions of participation
Please see procurement documents.
Award criteria
Type: price
Name
Commercial
Weighting: 30
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Technical
Weighting: 50
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Social Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact
Type: quality
Name
Economic Value
Weighting: 10
Weighting type: percentageExact