Lead Lithium Experimentation Loop

Description

The LLiMFA is at a preliminary design stage and UKAEA are now looking for potential suppliers to progress the design development and produce a Detailed Design of the test loop for the Fusion Technology Facility alongside CHIMERA. Creation of the LLiMFA will allow the supply of Liquid Lead Lithium to both test apparatus, for the research and development of components and materials for use in future fusion systems. The project deliverable this year is a detailed design of the loop that will incorporate further research into ensuring the outstanding challenges from the preliminary design stage can be solved, as well as developing the status of existing work to the point of manufacture (albeit no manufacturing will take place this year).

Key facts

Procedure

Direct award

Lots

1

Contact

Tony Morris

tony.morris@ukaea.uk

+12 35528822

Contract period

4 Nov 2025 → 3 Nov 2026

Value incl. VAT

£1.4m

Category

services

Awarded suppliers

• Frasier Nash LLC · GB-PPON-PVXN-4166-QPYR · UKJ26, GB

Ground given for limiting competition

The buyer’s own stated reason for awarding without open competition, as published. Their assertion, not a finding.

- Continuity of Design: Frazer-Nash led the preliminary design phase, producing ~28 technical documents and passing UKAEA’s design gate review. Their continued involvement avoids regression to concept phase and ensures design momentum. - Fusion Expertise: They demonstrated strong fusion sector knowledge, technical capability, and alignment with UKAEA’s design philosophy. - Risk Mitigation: Switching suppliers would risk delays, increased costs, and design misalignment, as new consultants may not adopt or understand the existing design. - Strategic Planning: Frazer-Nash provided a clear roadmap from detailed design through to future manufacture and commissioning, even though this phase focuses solely on design.