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UKRI-5351 Large Vacuum chamber for Vulcan 20-20 Target Area-1

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) · Central government

In brief

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has announced plans to buy laboratory equipment work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

The estimated value is £1,500,000 excluding VAT.

The contract runs for 17 months, starting 15 May 2026.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Competition

Typical: a median of 3 bids per contract for this buyer (from 102 awards in the last 12 months).

What the notice says

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is developing a new high-power laser system, Vulcan 20-20, to support cutting-edge research in fundamental physics. The facility will enable experiments simulating extreme astrophysical conditions, particle acceleration, radiation generation, and fusion energy research. These experiments will take place within a custom-built vacuum chamber designed to support high-power, high-energy laser interactions under controlled conditions. The chamber must meet stringent vacuum, structural, and safety requirements to ensure reliable and safe operation.

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 071903-2025
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 071904-2025
  3. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 071909-2025

Last time this was bought

UKRI-4991 ISIS HRPD-X Vacuum Vessel

Awarded
13 November 2025
Value
£205,500
Bids
5
Contract ends
20 May 2026

Matched on UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), the type of work and the title; it may be a related contract rather than the same one. Check the notice to be sure.

About the buyer

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)Last 12 months

Procurements

1898

Awards

1742

Suppliers it has used most for laboratory equipment

All tenders and awards from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)

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From notice 071903-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 7 November 2025, last updated 7 November 2025. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.