UK

Prior information notice

Information

Published

Expire date: 04/12/2023

External Reference: 2023-545155

FTS Reference: 2023-032462

Prior information notice

Prior information notice

Supplies

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1)

Name and addresses

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
N/A
Culham Science Centre
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
UK
Contact person: Jane Lubbock
Telephone: +44 12356711
E-mail: jane.lubbock@ukaea.uk
NUTS code:  UKJ14 -  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=74723&B=UKAEA
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

Robot Deployed Laser Ablation System For Surface Cleaning
Reference number:  T/JSL130/23
II.1.2)

Main CPV code

42997300  -  Industrial robots
II.1.3)

Type of contract

Supplies
II.1.4)

Short description

Decontamination is one of the RAICo programme’s main themes and it is aiming at developing tools for fission decommissioning and fusion engineering applications.
RAICo are investigating the use of laser ablation / cleaning systems which can be deployed on this PIN is being issued to understand the current market capability to deliver a robotic deployed laser cleaning system for the cleaning of small metallic parts and components of differing size and shapes. The system is envisaged to be an integrated system that could be, capable of combining a collaborative robot (e.g. UR-10e) deploying a cleaning laser system and linking that with a second collaborative robot (e.g. UR-10e) that can hold, manoeuvre and place objects inside an enclosure.
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)

35113210  -  Nuclear safety equipment
42610000  -  Machine tools operated by laser and machining centres
II.2.3)

Place of performance

NUTS code:  UKJ14 -  Oxfordshire
Main site or place of performance:  
Culham, Oxfordshire
II.2.4)

Description of the procurement

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo®) programme is a collaboration between UKAEA, UKNDA, Sellafield and Manchester University and includes an initial 3-year programme of technology development. The programme is focussed on delivering and proving underlying robotics and artificial intelligence technologies that are required for effective decommissioning, as well as providing deployment opportunities to have maximum operational impact.
Using robotics and AI in hazardous nuclear decommissioning environments will provide the step-change in capabilities needed to move towards a cheaper, faster, and less hazardous set of next generation decommissioning activities.
Decontamination is one of the RAICo programme’s main themes and it is aiming at developing tools for fission decommissioning and fusion engineering applications.
RAICo are investigating the use of laser ablation / cleaning systems which can be deployed on collaborative robots for the cleaning of small parts and components of differing geometries.
In support of this likely future requirement, this PIN is being issued to understand the current market capability to deliver a robotic deployed laser cleaning system for the cleaning of small metallic parts and components of differing size and shapes. The system is envisaged to be an integrated system that could be, capable of combining a collaborative robot (e.g. UR-10e) deploying a cleaning laser system and linking that with a second collaborative robot (e.g. UR-10e) that can hold, manoeuvre and place objects inside an enclosure.
This PIN will result in UKAEA being able to create a specification for this requirement and may issue a competitive tender to the market in early 2024.
II.3)

Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

08/01/2024

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