UK

Prior information notice

Information

Published

Expire date: 26/07/2021

External Reference: 2021-532630

FTS Reference: 2021-014510

Prior information notice

Prior information notice

Services

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1)

Name and addresses

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
UK
Contact person: Daniel Brown
Telephone: +44 7546653628
E-mail: daniel.brown@ukaea.uk
NUTS code:  UKJ1 -  Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Internet address(es):
Main address: http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Address of the buyer profile: https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/72814

I.3)

Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at:  
https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=38509&B=UK
Additional information can be obtained from
the abovementioned address:  
I.4)

Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law
I.5)

Main activity

Other activity:  Fusion Research

Section II: Object

II.1)

Scope of the procurement

II.1.1)

Title

MARKET ENGAGEMENT TO UNDERSTAND SUPERCOOLED MAGNET INSULATOR TECHNOLOGIES
Reference number:  T/DB103/21
II.1.2)

Main CPV code

73300000  -  Design and execution of research and development
II.1.3)

Type of contract

Services
II.1.4)

Short description

The aim of this project is to engage with the wider market to understand and test current available materials as magnet insulators that will be used in the toroidal, poloidal and correction coils, as well as the central solenoid - These materials must encapsulate the coils to protect and stabilise the magnets from the hostile environment e.g. irradiation
UKAEA will survey and assess organic potting compounds for application in a fusion environment. including, but not limited to: epoxy blends, benzoxazines and polyimides. Identify, survey and assess inorganic material e.g. geopolymers. Engagement with wider industry to understand the range of available COTS products developed in other industries which could be applicable to the requirement. Follow on work might include mechanical testing of these products to validate their suitability for nuclear environments.
II.1.5)

Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 200000.00  GBP
II.1.6)

Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: no
II.2)

Description

II.2.2)

Additional CPV code(s)

24300000  -  Basic inorganic and organic chemicals
24500000  -  Plastics in primary forms
73111000  -  Research laboratory services
73300000  -  Design and execution of research and development
31630000  -  Magnets
II.2.3)

Place of performance

NUTS code:  UKJ1 -  Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
II.2.4)

Description of the procurement

Part of the STEP programme is the development of magnet insulators that will be used in the toroidal, poloidal and correction coils, as well as the central solenoid. These materials must encapsulate the coils to protect and stabilise the magnets from the hostile environment. This environment, particularly the high levels of neutron irradiation, present a significant materials challenge to select and validate potting compounds which avoid degradation in thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic properties under these conditions. The aim of this project is to Engage with the wider market to understand and test current available materials which can be applied to the Requirements. UKAEA will survey and assess organic potting compounds for application in a fusion environment., including, but not limited to: epoxy blends, benzoxazines and polyimides, Identify, survey and assess inorganic material options, including, but not limited to, geopolymers. Engagement with wider industry to understand the range of available COTS products developed in other industries, such as aerospace, which could be applicable to the requirement.Follow on work might include mechanical testing of these products to validate their suitability for nuclear environments. Testing will be carried out by external suppliers, therefore engagement with wider industry to understand testing capability and standard testing procedures will also form a part of this project.
II.3)

Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

22/10/2021

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1)

Description

IV.1.8)

Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement : yes
IV.2)

Administrative information

Section VI: Complementary information