Real-time Digital Twin Equipment

Duration of Contract/Framework- Delivery and Installation plus a minimum of 12 months warranty and Service

Return Date and Time - Friday, 05 June 2026 at 12-00 (noon)

1.1 Introduction- This is an Invitation to Tender (ITT) with information, instructions and guidance provided in this document, following consideration of which the tender submission (which consists of the completion of the Online Selection Questionnaire and Technical and Commercial response documents) should be completed and returned by all Tenderers who wish to tender for the contract. Please note, throughout the Tender documentation the University of Nottingham will be referred to as 'the University' and/ or "the UoN".

Project Synopsis: The aviation sector is undergoing a paradigm shift towards electrification, with electric propulsion systems increasingly recognised as a key enabler for achieving sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly air transport. Electric propulsion offers significant benefits including reduced emissions, lower noise levels, and improved overall energy efficiency. Digital Twin technology provides a powerful solution by creating a dynamic, real-time virtual representation of the physical propulsion system. This approach enables continuous monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimisation across the entire lifecycle of system components - from design and prototyping, through operational use, to end-of-life management. Importantly, the adoption of Digital Twin methods will provide direct support to the NEWBORN project within the EU Clean Aviation Programme, ensuring that its research outcomes can be validated, demonstrated, and sustained through realistic virtual environments linked to physical system behaviour.

Objectives - The University requests tenders from sufficiently experienced and qualified Suppliers to establish a contract for the delivery, installation, commissioning and at least twelve months warranty and servicing of Digital Twin Equipment as outlined in 2496 ITTO SC - Appendix A Technical Specification.

Estimated Value - The estimated budget for this project, including all delivery, packaging, material handling, commissioning, installation, training, warranty, and duties is £180,000 - £250,000 (excluding VAT).

Contract Delivery -The Contract is intended to start on 26 June 2026 or as otherwise agreed. Expected Delivery / Installation of goods is on or around 16 November 2026 with commissioning to be completed within 30 days of delivery. Minimum twelve month warranty and service requirements.

Additional Technical Specification and Tendering Documents can be found by registering as a perspective supplier on the UoNs UniCore Supplier Portal.

Supplier Portal Access: https://fa-evyf-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/fscmUI/redwood/supplier-registration/register-supplier/register-supplier-verification

Guide for Suppliers Accessing Supplier Portal: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fabs/procurement/documents/unicore-supplier-portal-prospective-registration-user-guide-2.pdf