Contracting authority

Contracting authority:

United Kingdom Industrial Fusion Solutions

Public Procurement Organisation Number:

PCRM-7973-DCBL

Address:

Culham Campus, Culham Campus
Culham
OX14 3DB
UK

Contact name:

Operational Procurement

Email:

operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk

Telephone:

Not provided

Website:

Not provided

Organisation type:

MINISTRY

Devolved regulations that apply:

None

Procedure

Procedure type:

Open procedure

Preliminary market engagement conducted:

Not provided

Special regime:

None

Scope

Title:

STEP Interim Socio-economic Evaluation

Reference number:

PP-UKIFS-546

Main category:

SERVICES

Description:

1. Baseline Evaluation

Aims

-Set out current data, indicators and contextual evidence.

-Identify what would likely happen without STEP to support later assessment of additionality.

-Test the validity of STEP’s theory of change, assumptions and risks.

-Assess data availability, quality, and feasibility for longterm evaluation.


Scope

-Codevelop the theory of change and logic model.

-Expand the benefits library with metrics, data sources and recommendations for future monetisation.

-Specify data sources, quality plans, counterfactual logic, and longterm lag assumptions.

-Highlight evidence gaps and uncertainties.


2. Impact Evaluation

Aims

-Assess progress towards STEP’s Tranche 1 and T2a objectives.

-Examine early technical advances and initial economic/social effects.

-Forecast potential longerterm impacts where possible.

-Identify what data and systems must be established now to enable robust T2a and future evaluations.


Scope

-Mixedmethods approach including early monetisation and nonmonetised impact assessment.

-Develop methodologies to value fusionspecific benefits (jobs, skills, supply chain, innovation, infrastructure).

-Use baseline counterfactuals to determine additionality.

-Include placebased, distributional analysis and uncertainty testing.

-Produce a set of highimpact case studies.


3. Process Evaluation

Aims

-Assess whether delivery aligns with STEP’s mission, plans and intent.

-Review progress against milestones, delivery structures, partnerships, resources and governance.

-Understand stakeholder engagement, risk management, dependencies and overall programme maturity.

-Identify lessons learned and readiness for transition to future tranches.


Scope

-Review programme documentation and structures.

-Conduct stakeholder interviews across UKIFS, partners and external organisations.

-Use the theory of change to analyse delivery barriers and enablers.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Culham:-Research-services./RCD73B9WCM

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/RCD73B9WCM

Total value (estimated):

GBP 300,000 excluding VAT

GBP 300,000 including VAT

Contract dates (estimated):

01/06/2026 to 01/06/2027

CPV classifications:

73110000 - Research services.

79311400 - Economic research services.

79315000 - Social research services.

79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services.

Delivery regions:

UK - UNITED KINGDOM

Participation

Suitable for SMEs:

Yes

Suitable for VCSEs:

No

Engagement

Engagement deadline:

13/03/2026

Engagement status:

The engagement has not yet been carried out.

Engagement process description:

To respond to this PMEN, please complete and submit Appendix 1: Questionnaire via the facility in the Delta portal by 17:00 GMT on 13/03/2026.

Early responses would be appreciated to help inform planning decisions.

If you experience any difficulties with the portal, please contact the portal helpdesk helpdesk@delta-esourcing.com cc operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk

Information obtained from responses to Appendix 1: Questionnaire will help UKIFS understand current market capabilities and shape the scope, direction, and design of the future procurement activities.

If you have any questions about this PMEN, please contact UKIFS through the Delta portal. We are keen to engage with suppliers to assist with the PMEN completion if needed, to ensure quality responses enabling us to shape the future requirement and procurement.

Submission

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