Construction Contract Leads

Scope

Reference

NNLC703F

Description

The framework has the ability to award contracts through restricted quick quotes, open quick quotes, mini competition and direct award. Call-off contracts can be either fixed cost or cost reimbursable.

Mini-Competition

Where mini-competition is used, this is to be via the e-tender portal and must include all suppliers on the applicable lot. Each mini competition will be restricted to only one Lot. Should requirements at call-off not have been priced at point of framework creation, mini-competition should be held allowing all suppliers in the applicable Lot to price, accordingly, providing the additional requirement fits within the overall subject matter of the applicable Lot. Mini-competition criteria must not repeat qualification questions. The evaluation criteria must however comprise of the following, with weighting allowances adhered to:

Evaluation Criteria Range

• Pricing 5-90%

• Technical 5-90%

• Social Value 5-90%

Mini competitions can be ran using both the Open Procedure and the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, where the call-off is above threshold.

The Framework Agreement permits contracts to be awarded by direct award. UKNNL may award a contract directly to a Supplier where this is justified by the requirement for continuity of service, demonstrable value for money, and compliance with applicable procurement legislation.

A direct award can be made to a supplier for the continuation of existing services. This approach is considered appropriate where the supplier has established knowledge, experience, systems integration, and operational capability that are critical to the effective delivery of the services and where a change of supplier would result in disproportionate cost, disruption, delay, or operational risk.

Further justifications for Direct Award can be found below:

• It secures the uninterrupted continuation of critical services.

• The requirement consists of substantially similar or repeat services already being delivered by the current supplier.

• A change of supplier would require significant transition activity, resulting in additional cost, resource burden, loss of operational knowledge, and increased delivery risk.

• The supplier is already integrated within existing governance, processes, systems, and delivery arrangements.

• The proposed award represents value for money when considering both contract costs and the costs and risks associated with supplier transition.

• The award supports efficient service delivery and maximises public benefit.

UKNNL has assessed that awarding the contract to the current supplier represents the most advantageous commercial outcome and is consistent with the Framework terms and/ or the principles set out within Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 relating to circumstances where supplier continuity, technical knowledge, interoperability, or the procurement of similar services provide a lawful justification for direct award.

The Procurement Lead shall ensure that the rationale for direct award is fully documented and demonstrates that:

• The direct award is objectively justified.

• The decision delivers value for money and public benefit.

• The risks and costs associated with changing supplier have been considered.

• The award complies with the Framework Agreement, the Procurement Act 2023, and all applicable governance requirements.

• Appropriate transparency and approval requirements have been satisfied prior to contract award.

If there is a pre-existing relationship with any or other suppliers on the Framework which is in the public interest as it offers value for money or a saving in terms of resource and any other compelling commercially and/or value led reason that can be determined to make a Direct Award.

Additional Direct Award Options - Lot 5 Only

a) Direct award to the highest ranked supplier

Admission to the Framework is based on a 50% technical evaluation and 50% commercial evaluation, with Framework Suppliers ranked in descending order according to their combined score.

For a direct award under the ranking option, the Procurement Lead will approach the highest ranked Framework Supplier on Lot 5 and request a full quotation and indicative delivery programme for the requirement. Social value may be required for contracts delivered under Lot 5, where this is required, suppliers will be required to provide social value commitments within their proposal.

The Procurement Lead may not negotiate the scope of the requirement in a manner that would materially alter the nature of the direct award. Where the highest ranked Framework Supplier is unable to meet the requirement, is unable to deliver within the required timescale, or does not provide a commercially acceptable quotation, the Procurement Lead may progress to the next highest ranked Framework Supplier on Lot 5.

UKNNL is expected to award to the highest ranked Framework Supplier capable of meeting the requirement. However, where there is a demonstrable value-for-money benefit, a pre-existing project relationship, programme continuity requirement, or another compelling commercial justification, the Authority may award to an alternative Framework Supplier, as detailed in 3.4. In such circumstances, the Procurement Lead must ensure that the rationale for the award is appropriately documented and demonstrates the achievement of value for money and public benefit.

b) Direct award using the desktop calculator

This direct award mechanism enables the Procurement Lead to undertake a weighted evaluation of technical quality and pricing.

The desktop calculator will determine the Most Advantageous Tender by applying a new tender specific weighting to each of the Framework Suppliers' technical and commercial scores achieved during framework establishment. The supplier with the highest combined technical and commercial score post weighting will be invited to provide a proposal. The desktop calculator must be used to calculate the final ranking. The new revised costing will not be a factor of the evaluation used to determine the highest ranked supplier. The Procurement Lead may determine the relative weighting of Technical and Price, provided that the combined weighting totals 100% and remains within the permitted ranges set out below. Social value may be required for contracts delivered under Lot 5, where this is required, suppliers will be required to provide social value commitments within their proposal.

Following completion of the desktop evaluation, the requirement should be awarded to the highest ranked Framework Supplier. If that supplier is unable to meet the requirement, deliver within the required timescales, or satisfy any mandatory project requirements, the Procurement Lead may progress to the next highest ranked supplier until a suitable supplier is identified.

The business area shall advise on the appropriate balance between Technical and Price having regard to the nature, complexity, and risk associated with the requirement. The values applied must fall within the ranges shown below.

The weighting between Price and Technical will be dependent upon the specifics of each call-off but must be within the range set out below. Evaluation Criteria Range Pricing 5-95% Technical 5-95%.

Commercial tool

Establishes an open framework

A series of frameworks with substantially the same terms. Awarded suppliers are carried over and new suppliers can bid.

Total value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

• 8 March 2027 to 7 March 2031
• Possible extension to 7 March 2035
• 8 years

Description of possible extension:

Open Framework, open for 4 years initially, extended for a further 4 years.

Main procurement category

Works

Additional procurement category

Goods

CPV classifications

• 45255400 - Fabrication work
• 42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery
• 71333000 - Mechanical engineering services
• 71334000 - Mechanical and electrical engineering services
• 42120000 - Pumps and compressors
• 44610000 - Tanks, reservoirs, containers and pressure vessels
• 45262670 - Metalworking
• 44315000 - Wire rods
• 42514310 - Air filters
• 42514300 - Filtering apparatus
• 45331210 - Ventilation installation work
• 71630000 - Technical inspection and testing services
• 71620000 - Analysis services
• 42630000 - Metal-working machine tools

Contract locations

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot 1. Non-Nuclear Rig Fabrication and Machining

Description

This Lot is for Non-Nuclear Rig Fabrication and Machining. See Invitation to Tender for further information on Lot 1 and Procurement Specification Appendix A.

Lot value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.

Lot 2. Nuclear Rig Fabrication

Description

This Lot is for Nuclear Rig Fabrication .See Invitation to Tender for further information on Lot 2 and Procurement Specification Appendix A.

Lot value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.

Lot 3. Infrastructure Fabrication and Machining & Engineering Systems

Description

This Lot is for Infrastructure Fabrication and Machining & Engineering Systems. See Invitation to Tender for further information on Lot 3 and Procurement Specification Appendix A.

Lot value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.

Lot 4. Associated Supplies, Products, Services & Technical Support

Description

This Lot is for Associated Supplies, Products, Services & Technical Support. See Invitation to Tender for further information on Lot 4 and Procurement Specification Appendix A.

Lot value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.

Lot 5. Complex and/or High Value Rig Fabrication & Machining

Description

This Lot is for Complex and/or High Value Rig Fabrication & Machining. See Invitation to Tender for further information on Lot 5 and Procurement Specification Appendix A.

Lot value (estimated)

• £15,000,000 excluding VAT
• £18,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.

Framework

Open framework scheme end date (estimated)

7 March 2035

Maximum number of suppliers

Unlimited

Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Framework operation description

The framework has the ability to award contracts through mini competition or direct award. Call-off contracts can be either fixed cost or cost reimbursable. Mini-Competition Where mini-competition is used, this is to be via the e-tender portal and must include all suppliers on the applicable lot. Each mini competition will be restricted to only one Lot. Should requirements at call-off not have been priced at point of framework creation, mini-competition should be held allowing all suppliers in the applicable Lot to price, accordingly, providing the additional requirement fits within the overall subject matter of the applicable Lot. Mini-competition criteria must not repeat qualification questions. The evaluation criteria must however comprise of the following, with weighting allowances adhered to: Evaluation Criteria Range Pricing 5-90% Technical 5-90% Social Value 5-90% Mini competitions can be ran using both the Open Procedure and the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, where the call-off is above threshold. Direct Award There are three direct award mechanisms under this Framework Agreement: • Direct award to the highest technically ranked supplier. • Direct award using the desktop calculator • Direct Award for repeat services. Admittance to the framework for Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 is via a 100% technical evaluation. Admittance to the framework for Lot 5 is via a 50% technical and 50% commercial evaluation Framework suppliers will be ranked in order of their tendered combined technical and commercial score for Lot 5 only. Procurement Leads may direct award to the highest ranked supplier. If the highest ranked supplier is unable to provide the requested requirements UKNNL will award to the next highest ranked supplier who can provide the requirements. UKNNL is required to contract with the highest ranked supplier which can provide the requirements, unless there is a preexisting relationship with any of the other suppliers on the applicable Framework, which would mean a Direct Award to that supplier is in the public interest. This could be because it offers value for money or a saving in terms of resource, or would cause disproportionate disruption to switch supplier. The decision made to award outside of the ranking structure will only be made where it delivers value for money and maximises public benefit. Direct award using the Desktop Calculator This direct award mechanism allows UKNNL to split the evaluation criteria between price and technical, based upon the requirements of each call-off. The desktop calculator will calculate the Most Advantageous Tenderer, taking into account each suppliers Technical Score, and the costs provided for the requirement. The costs are assessed using a relative pricing methodology, with the Tenderer submitting the lowest evaluated Total Price receiving the maximum available score of 40%. Scores for all other Tenderers will be awarded in accordance with the percentage difference between their evaluated Total Price and the lowest evaluated Total Price, as set out in the Commercial Price Evaluation Matrix contained within the procurement documents. Once the calculator has ranked the suppliers, the highest ranked supplier should be contacted. Should the supplier be unable to fulfil the requirements, to the required clearance level or in the timeframe required, UKNNL will move down the rankings to the next highest ranked supplier who can fulfil the requirements. The weighting between Price and Technical will be dependent upon the specifics of each call-off but must be within the range set out below. Evaluation Criteria Range Pricing 5-95% Technical 5-95%

Award method when using the framework

Either with or without competition

Contracting authorities that may use the framework

Establishing party only

Participation

Particular suitability

Lot 1. Non-Nuclear Rig Fabrication and Machining

Lot 2. Nuclear Rig Fabrication

Lot 3. Infrastructure Fabrication and Machining & Engineering Systems

Lot 4. Associated Supplies, Products, Services & Technical Support

Lot 5. Complex and/or High Value Rig Fabrication & Machining

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Submission

Enquiry deadline

2 December 2026, 1:00pm

Tender submission deadline

8 December 2026, 1:00pm

Submission address and any special instructions

Submissions should be submitted via Proactis e-tendering portal. https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login#

Tenders may be submitted electronically

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

English

Award decision date (estimated)

25 January 2027

Award criteria

Lot 1. Non-Nuclear Rig Fabrication and Machining

Lot 2. Nuclear Rig Fabrication

Lot 3. Infrastructure Fabrication and Machining & Engineering Systems

Lot 4. Associated Supplies, Products, Services & Technical Support

Lot 5. Complex and/or High Value Rig Fabrication & Machining

Other information

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes

Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure

Contracting authority

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

• Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVXT-8784-YGNV

5th Floor, Chadwick House

Warrington

WA3 6AE

United Kingdom

Contact name: Sarah Walton

Email: sarah.walton [at] uknnl.com

Website: https://uknnl.com

Region: UKD61 - Warrington

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government

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