UK Fusion Energy Ltd: Pd Ag Functional Testing

Contracting authority

Contracting authority:

UK Fusion Energy Ltd

Public Procurement Organisation Number:

PCRM-7973-DCBL

Address:

Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
UK

Contact name:

Operational Procurement

Email:

operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk

Telephone:

Not provided

Website:

Not provided

Organisation type:

BODY_PUBLIC

Devolved regulations that apply:

None

Procedure

Procedure type:

Open procedure

Preliminary market engagement conducted:

No

Tenders received:

0

Tenders assessed:

0

Tenders from SMEs:

0

Tenders from VCSEs:

0

Special regime:

None

Scope

Title:

Pd Ag Functional Testing

Reference number:

PP-UKIFS-566

Main procurement category:

SERVICES

Description:

The STEP Fuel Cycle (FC) system requires advanced technologies for hydrogen separation and recovery. The aim of this investigation is to demonstrate the manufacturability of palladium silver membrane assemblies. This will be achieved through conducting annealing trials, brazing trails, and diffusion bonding trials. The effect of these processes on the alloy and its properties will be evaluated through microstructural characterisation and hardness testing, respectively. These techniques will then be used to manufacture membrane assemblies which will be inspected and delivered to UKFE for subsequent testing. The objectives of this investigation are to conduct the following:
1. Tube characterisation, characterise and test the different batches of palladium silver membrane tubes, including microscopy and hardness testing, as received.
2. Annealing trials, refine and execute the process control variables for the annealing of the palladium silver membrane tubes. The effects of annealing on the alloy shall be characterised via microscopy and hardness testing.
3. Brazing trials, refine and execute the process control variables for the brazing of palladium silver membrane tubes to steel fittings.
4. Diffusion bonding trials, develop and execute the process control variables for the diffusion bonding of palladium silver membrane tubes to steel fittings.
5. Destructive testing, to complete the manufacture, inspection, and destructive testing of brazed and diffusion bonded assemblies. The microstructure and hardness of the of the joint shall be evaluated cross-sectionally.
6. Assembly manufacture, the manufacture of membrane assemblies (Figure 1) via annealing, brazing or diffusion bonding.
7. Assembly inspection, refine and execute an inspection regime on all assemblies.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Analysis-services./T7K77D22NE

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/T7K77D22NE

Total value (estimated):

GBP 195,000 excluding VAT

GBP 234,000 including VAT

Description

Description:

Not provided

Suitable for SMEs:

Yes

Suitable for VCSEs:

No

Contract dates (estimated):

22/07/2026 to 22/01/2028

CPV classifications:

71620000 - Analysis services.

71632000 - Technical testing services.

73100000 - Research and experimental development services.

73111000 - Research laboratory services.

Contract can be extended:

No

Delivery regions:

UK - UNITED KINGDOM

Award criteria:

Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10

Name: Technical / Weighting: 70

Name: Commercial / Weighting: 20

Documents

Associated tender documents:

Technical specifications:

Not provided

Submission

Enquiry deadline:

22/06/2026 Time: 12:30

Tender submission deadline:

29/06/2026 Time: 12:30

Submission address and any special instructions:

https://ukifs.delta-esourcing.com/respond/T7K77D22NE

An electronic auction will be used:

No

Languages that may be used for submission:

English

Award decision date (estimated):

09/07/2026

Other information

Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation:

Not provided

Technical ability conditions of participation:

Not provided

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP):

Not provided

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA):

Not provided

A conflicts assessment has been prepared and revised:

Yes

Other organisations