Prior information notice

Information

Published

Expire date: 01/06/2024

External Reference: 2024-513211

FTS Reference: 2024-014161

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
N/A
Culham Campus
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
UK
Contact person: Lynda Parker
Telephone: +44 1235464626
NUTS code:  UKJ -  SOUTH EAST (ENGLAND)
Internet address(es):
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=81304&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

A Fusion Engineering Doctoral Training Partnership
Reference number:  T-LP063/24
II.1.2)

Main CPV code

73100000  -  Research and experimental development services
II.1.3)

Type of contract

Services
II.1.4)

Short description

The FOSTER – Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research - programme has been set up to deliver this government target as an initiative to enhance the UK’s fusion skills ecosystem, with international reach, that can train and grow the fusion generation who will be responsible for putting fusion energy on the grid.
The primary output that this competition is looking to achieve is the training of several cohorts of structured doctoral level (PhD, EngD, or other doctoral level qualification) students in disciplines associated with the engineering of a fusion pilot plant, with skills sets ready to be utilised within the future fusion workforce in the UK. We are seeking to appoint one or more educational establishments, or consortia thereof, who are interested in working with UKAEA to develop and deliver a new focussed platform for doctoral training in fusion engineering disciplines.
Further details can be found in the request for expression of interest attached.
II.1.5)

Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 9500000.00  GBP
II.1.6)

Information about lots

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

Description

II.2.2)

Additional CPV code(s)

80300000  -  Higher education services
II.2.3)

Place of performance

NUTS code:  UKJ1 -  Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Main site or place of performance:  
Abingdon
II.2.4)

Description of the procurement

The UKAEA, working with the fusion skills council as a cross-sector group from industry, educational establishments, and research establishments, have estimated that the fusion workforce will need to grow by ca. 2000 - 3000 individuals in the next five years to meet the ambitions of fusion development programmes in the UKs public and private sectors.
The FOSTER – Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research - programme has been set up to deliver this government target as an initiative to enhance the UK’s fusion skills ecosystem, with international reach, that can train and grow the fusion generation who will be responsible for putting fusion energy on the grid. This programme will target interventions across all entry pathways into the fusion sector, from entry-level through to post-doc.
The primary output that this competition is looking to achieve is the training of several cohorts of structured doctoral level (PhD, EngD, or other doctoral level qualification) students in disciplines associated with the engineering of a fusion pilot plant, with skills sets ready to be utilised within the future fusion workforce in the UK. We would also welcome wider embedding of a fusion context within undergraduate or postgraduate education and/or enhanced industrial engagement with skills development as secondary objectives of this partnership. In undertaking this competition, UKAEA have actively consulted EPSRC and will continue to do so throughout the process.
UKAEA are seeking to appoint one or more educational establishments, or consortia thereof, who are interested in working with UKAEA to develop and deliver a new focussed platform for doctoral training in fusion engineering disciplines. No prior engagement in fusion doctoral training is required to enter this competition.
II.2.14)

Additional information

Please refer to the request for expression of interest attached to this PIN.
II.3)

Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

30/09/2024

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