The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Following a six-month procurement process, four new framework contracts have now been awarded for the next stages of Research & Development (R&D) work to support the NDA’s decommissioning mission.

More than 70 organisations were involved in the competition process which started with a Supplier Day aimed at supporting the engagement of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the process. Following the Supplier Day, a range of R&D organisations formed consortia to bid for the four framework contracts, worth over £20 million over four years, which focus on the NDA’s key areas of decommissioning.

• Lot 1 – University Interactions
• Lot 2 – Integrated Waste Management
• Lot 3 – Site Restoration
• Lot 4 – Spent Fuels & Nuclear Materials

Lot 1 supports the development and delivery of NDA’s University Research Strategy while Lots 2-4 support the development and delivery of four of NDA’s strategic themes. Additionally the Framework Contracts will address cross-industry R&D requirements identified by the Nuclear Waste Research Forum, a cross-industry forum focused on R&D associated with nuclear decommissioning. The projects associated with these contracts support NDA in its Energy Act (2004) requirement to promote and, where necessary, carry out research in relation to its primary function of decommissioning and clean-up. While the NDA’s R&D strategy is that, where possible, this R&D is undertaken by our Site Licence Companies (SLCs) and their supply chain, these Framework Contracts allow the NDA to maintain a strategic R&D programme to inform and develop strategy, encourage innovation and support key technical skills. Projects are also often the precursor to more extensive SLC R&D projects. Annual R&D spend by the NDA and SLCs is typically in excess of £100 million.

The contracts were previously competed in 2008, however, the latest procurement exercise attracted significantly wider interest, resulting in greater participation in the process from SMEs, major UK and overseas R&D organisations and leading UK universities. This wider interest was facilitated by use of the Government’s Contract Finder website as well as promotion through NDA’s website and email alerts process.

Following a detailed evaluation of the consortia’s tender documents and follow-up technical interviews, Framework Contracts were awarded in each area (See Appendix for full details of consortia):

• Lot 1 – University Interactions – Single consortium led by National Nuclear Laboratory
• Lot 2 – Integrated Waste Management – Five consortia led by AMEC, Babcock, Hyder Consulting, National Nuclear Laboratory and NSG Environmental
• Lot 3 – Site Restoration – Six consortia led by AMEC, Arup, Babcock, Hyder Consulting, RSK Group and Serco
• Lot 4 – Spent Fuels & Nuclear Materials – Four consortia led by AMEC, Babcock, National Nuclear Laboratory and Serco

Research Manager Darrell Morris said: “We now have multi-supplier contracts aligned with our key strategic themes which will ensure a broader input into addressing our R&D requirements. It was particularly pleasing to see so many SMEs being engaged in the process and being part of successful consortia. Overall, we were delighted with the high quality of the submissions and look forward to working with the organisations on our strategic R&D programme.”

Appendix: Contract Awards