Prior information notice

Information

Published

Expire date: 28/06/2024

External Reference: 2024-556605

FTS Reference: 2024-017610

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: Charlotte Byrne
NUTS code:  UKJ14 -  Oxfordshire
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=82440&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

Fusion Futures: Uncertainty Quantification for Plasma Control Frameworks
Reference number:  T/CB085/24
II.1.2)

Main CPV code

72266000  -  Software consultancy services
II.1.3)

Type of contract

Services
II.1.4)

Short description

UKAEA wishes to engage with potential prime contractors, for the provision of research and development consultancy services to the UKAEA.
The project seeks to apply state of the art methods and techniques from the field of uncertainty quantification to the development of real-time plasma control systems.
The goal is to develop specific software components which must integrate effectively with existing control frameworks developed in C++. There is some flexibility in exactly how the new capabilities should be interfaced but the resulting system is required to have highly deterministic behaviour with bounded latency and jitter suitable for deployment in the plasma control environment.
II.1.5)

Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 150000.00  GBP
II.1.6)

Information about lots

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

Description

II.2.2)

Additional CPV code(s)

72200000  -  Software programming and consultancy services
72220000  -  Systems and technical consultancy services
72227000  -  Software integration consultancy services
II.2.3)

Place of performance

NUTS code:  UKJ14 -  Oxfordshire
NUTS code:  UK -  UNITED KINGDOM
Main site or place of performance:  
OX14 3DB
II.2.4)

Description of the procurement

UKAEA wishes to engage with potential prime contractors, for the provision of research and development consultancy services to the UKAEA.
The project seeks to apply state of the art methods and techniques from the field of uncertainty quantification to the development of real-time plasma control systems.
The goal is to develop specific software components which must integrate effectively with existing control frameworks developed in C++. There is some flexibility in exactly how the new capabilities should be interfaced but the resulting system is required to have highly deterministic behaviour with bounded latency and jitter suitable for deployment in the plasma control environment.
The focus is on developing practical components using agile methodology and able to deliver production software quickly. As such, the requirement is to identify potential suppliers capable of demonstrating not only competencies in the specified fields, but experience of deploying solutions in demanding environments. Ideally this would include awareness or experience in fusion control. Equivalent alternative domain knowledge and appropriate subject matter expertise would be considered.
UKAEA will be able to provide support on many aspects of plasma control and on the software frameworks used in fusion. A potential supplier must bring expertise in uncertainty quantification and have sufficient complementary skills to be able to effectively engage with the UKAEA controls team.
After the engagement exercise, UKAEA intend to issue an Invitation to Tender through the EU Supply and Find a Tender portals (replacement to Tenders Electronic Daily) to procure services for design and development through competitively tendered contracts.
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

VI.3)

Additional information

Webinar to be held 4th July 2024, registration link can be found in supporting documents.