Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd4-f2fd-71f8-bde0-4588d942d12a/construction-and-commission-of-modular-rig

pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs

# Construction and commission of modular rig

[United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory Limited](https://tendernation.io/buyers/united-kingdom-national-nuclear-laboratory-limited)

Estimated value

Not stated

Published

9 Feb 2026

Deadline

Rolling deadline

## Who can bid

- Buyer says suitable for SMEs

    The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid.
- Below-threshold contract

    Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts).

    [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85)
- Open procedure

    Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage.

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## About this tender

UKNNL is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to support the assembly, installation verification, and inactive commissioning of a new modular experimental rig at the Preston facility.

The rig comprises a modular, three-storey structure incorporating multiple process and utility services. The appointed contractor will be responsible for mechanical assembly, installation checks, and inactive commissioning (without uranics) to enable active commissioning (with uranics) by others.

- Scope of Work

The contractor will be expected to undertake, as a minimum:

### Mechanical Assembly

- Offloading, positioning, and installation of prefabricated rig modules
- Mechanical assembly and integration of modules to form the complete structure
- Installation of access platforms, supports, and ancillary equipment
- Alignment, fixing, and structural integrity checks

### Interface & Service Readiness

- Preparation and verification of interfaces for:

o Gas services

o Extraction/ventilation

o Fluids

o Electrical supplies

- Coordination with service installation contractors
- Ensuring connection points are accessible, correctly labelled, and compliant with drawings/specifications

Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation:

- Cross module connections
- Final install
- Connection to Pilot Plant electrical distribution network
- Project Overview

UKNNL is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to support the assembly, installation verification, and inactive commissioning of a new modular experimental rig at the Preston facility.

The rig comprises a modular, three-storey structure incorporating multiple process and utility services. The appointed contractor will be responsible for mechanical assembly, installation checks, and inactive commissioning (without uranics) to enable active commissioning (with uranics) by others.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

- Scope of Work

The contractor will be expected to undertake, as a minimum:

### Mechanical Assembly

- Offloading, positioning, and installation of prefabricated rig modules
- Mechanical assembly and integration of modules to form the complete structure
- Installation of access platforms, supports, and ancillary equipment
- Alignment, fixing, and structural integrity checks

### Interface & Service Readiness

- Preparation and verification of interfaces for:

o Gas services

o Extraction/ventilation

o Fluids

o Electrical supplies

- Coordination with service installation contractors
- Ensuring connection points are accessible, correctly labelled, and compliant with drawings/specifications

Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation:

- Cross module connections
- Final install
- Connection to Pilot Plant electrical distribution network

### Installation Verification

- Completion of installation checks against drawings and specifications
- QA/QC inspections and documentation
- Identification and resolution of defects or non-conformances
- As-built documentation and redlining

### Inactive Commissioning

- Mechanical completion checks
- Pressure/leak testing (where applicable)
- Functional checks (non-energised / non-process)
- Safety and compliance verification
- Handover documentation and commissioning packs

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

- Contractor Requirements

Interested parties should demonstrate:

- Experience assembling modular or multi-storey industrial/process rigs or plant
- Experience working with multi-disciplinary service interfaces (gas, fluids, extraction, electrical)
- Commissioning and mechanical completion experience
- Strong health, safety, and quality management systems to comply with CDM regulations
- Ability to work within an operational facility environment
- Relevant certifications and competencies

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

- Deliverables

The appointed contractor will be expected to provide:

- Method statements and risk assessments
- Installation and commissioning plans
- Inspection and test records
- Mechanical completion dossiers
- As-built documentation
- Handover pack

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

- Programme (Indicative)
- Site readiness: June 2026
- Assembly period: 3 months
- Handover to active commissioning: September 2026

Read full description

## CPV classification

Construction work Installation services (except software)

Source

Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-064afb-2026-02-09T11:57:54Z

[View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-064afb-2026-02-09T11:57:54Z)

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