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STEP Engineering System Partners Procurement

UK Fusion Energy Ltd · published 11 Nov 2026

Deadline
29 Jan 2027, 17:00 · questions by 8 Jan 2027, 17:00
Estimated value
£115,000,000 excluding VAT where stated
Procedure
Competitive flexible procedure · above threshold
Contract dates
23 Apr 2027 to 31 Mar 2029
Where
UK-wide
Categories (CPV)
  • 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
  • 72242000 Design-modelling services
  • and 6 more
Lots
5 lots
  • Breeder Blanket System Partner (BBSP) — £20,000,000
  • Fuel Cycle System Partner (FCSP) — £20,000,000
  • Test Operations Partner (TOP) — £35,000,000
  • Control System Partner (CSP) — £15,000,000
  • System Engineering and Whole Plant Integration Partner (SEWPIP) — £25,000,000
Small businesses
The buyer marks this as suitable for SMEs.
Award criteria
  • Commercial (price)30%
  • Technical (quality)50%
  • Social Value (quality)10%
  • Economic Value (quality)10%

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

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