STEP Vapour Shielding Scenario Simulation
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd
Key details
Procurement
- 73100000 Research and experimental development services
- 73110000 Research services
- 73111000 Research laboratory services
- 73120000 Experimental development services
- 73430000 Test and evaluation
What happened
The contract runs until 26 Apr 2027.
Description
This Market Engagement Notice seeks engagement with organisations capable of delivering reactor-scale vapour shielding modelling to support the STEP prototype powerplant programme.
The work will investigate vapour shielding effects arising from transient plasma events and their impact on plasma-facing components, informing design, protection systems, and operational strategies.
The scope is divided into four sequential phases covering: (A) initial assessment of limiter strike scenarios and architecture risks; (B) expanded analysis of transient scenarios, material degradation, and mitigation strategies; (C) development of engineering models and lifetime assessments for plasma-facing components and (D) assessment of combined transient hazards and their implications for protection system design.
Suppliers must submit proposals for Phase A, with separate pricing for Phases B and C, while Phase D will focus on future capability without pricing at this stage.
Suppliers are expected to demonstrate access to established reactor-scale vapour shielding modelling frameworks, with work progressing through successive phases subject to technical outcomes, funding availability, and STEP programme priorities.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at:
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How to engage
This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of vapour shielding scenario simulation. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market. Suppliers responding to this MEN will have the opportunity to contribute insights that may shape the final tender requirements. All answers and correspondence will be used for market sounding purposes only and will be treated confidentially. Any supplier that chooses to not respond to this MEN will not exclude themselves from any subsequent procurement for this workstream. Should an NDA or similar be required, please contact the MEN Customer Contact. Any estimated contract values and contract dates associated with the notice are indicative and do not represent a commitment by UKFE. UKFE’s IP Policy: UKFE will own all foreground IP which is developed to deliver the STEP programme, including IP generated in projects with partners. UKFE requires a licence to any partner-owned background IP that is required to use and licence UKFE’s foreground IP freely As part of this PME, UKFE may carry out a range of activities. These may include, but are not limited to: issuing follow-up questions to suppliers and reviewing their responses; engaging in discussions with suppliers either collectively or individually, such as through webinars or workshops; seeking feedback on proposed requirements; exploring procurement approaches; identifying potentially suitable suppliers; assessing market capacity; and discussing possible contractual terms. PME may also be used to support the development of award criteria and the refinement of tender documentation. Any information provided in this notice, such as CPV codes, estimated contract values, anticipated contract dates and durations, and proposed engagement timelines - are indicative only and based on UKFE’s current understanding. These details may be subject to change. The purpose of PME is to improve our understanding of the market, refine our requirements, and shape our procurement strategy. The list of activities included here is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and the nature, extent and timetable of engagement may evolve in line with UKFE’s needs.
Contact
Bid documents
Identifiers
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External ID: fts-ocds-h6vhtk-06cd3a • Added 16 July 2026