Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13be5-a08a-7082-b0f5-e665e9e28cd5/laser-induced-desorption-system-for-measuring-first-wall-retention-in-step awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Laser Induced Desorption System for Measuring First Wall Retention in STEP [UK Fusion Energy Ltd](https://tendernation.io/buyers/uk-fusion-energy-ltd) Estimated value £75,000 Published 16 Sept 2026 Deadline Closed 7 Sept 2026 ## 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. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is seeking to appoint a supplier to undertake the concept design of a system capable of in-situ quantification of tritium retention within plasma-facing (first wall) materials for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme. STEP is the UK's flagship fusion energy programme, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and aims to design and construct the UK's first prototype fusion power plant capable of demonstrating net energy production, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. UKFE, a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is responsible for delivering the programme. A key challenge for future fusion power plants is the management of tritium, which serves as a fuel for the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction. Tritium is both radioactive and scarce, making accurate measurement of its retention within plasma-facing components essential to demonstrating fuel self-sufficiency, supporting tritium accountancy, and monitoring the condition of first wall materials throughout plant operation. The successful supplier will develop a concept design for a measurement system capable of operating within the demanding environment of a fusion power plant, taking into account constraints such as neutron radiation, strong magnetic fields, thermal loading, limited installation space, and exposure to radioactive materials. This procurement represents the initial concept design phase of a wider programme of work. Subject to future funding and programme approvals, the outputs of this contract are expected to inform subsequent detailed design activities, technology maturation, de-risking and testing, and ultimately the development of an integrated tritium measurement system for deployment within the STEP tokamak. Read full description ## CPV classification Engineering services Engineering design services Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services Research and experimental development services Research laboratory services Experimental development services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-06d4a1-2026-09-16T15:11:03+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-06d4a1-2026-09-16T15:11:03+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile UK Fusion Energy Ltd: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/uk-fusion-energy-ltd) [Sector More Architecture, engineering & surveying tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/architecture-engineering-surveying) ## More tenders like this [Asbestos Management Framework · Home Group · 25 days left · 13 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5fff-736e-ae2e-0c8a400c7297/asbestos-management-framework) [Infrastructure works consultancy services – Contrôle extérieur des chaussées · Collectivité européenne d Alsace · 29 days left · 17 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1730-733b-8247-a32bbbe2211c/france-infrastructure-works-consultancy-services-controle-exterieur-des-chau) [Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services – Single Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Integrated Design Team Services for Fire Safety Remediation Works for Dublin City Council · Dublin City Council · 5 days left · 23 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-0a15-7156-849b-5a223dd6d615/ireland-architectural-construction-engineering-and-inspection-services-sin) [Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services – Būvprojekta izstrāde un autoruzraudzība fasādes siltināšanai kārtās Dzirciema ielā 16, Rīgā – 1.kārta, C korpuss · Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte · 28 days left · 16 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-3915-73d1-83e6-c378f9f7a926/latvia-architectural-construction-engineering-and-inspection-services-buvp) [Technical assistance services – Suivi et gestion de chantiers de réhabilitation de sites pollués · SPAQuE · 15 days left · 3 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-155e-73c2-a593-9e17375422ac/belgium-technical-assistance-services-suivi-et-gestion-de-chantiers-de-rehab) [Engineering design services for the construction of civil engineering works – Dokumentace pro povolení záměru stavby č. 9567 Radlická radiála JZM - Smíchov; v úseku MÚK Bucharova – MÚK Jinonice · Hlavní Město Praha · 15 days left · 3 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-0c15-72b2-bb19-c3ab1550e67e/czechia-engineering-design-services-for-the-construction-of-civil-engineering)