Detailed design and build of a scaled down Fast Acting Low Conductance (FALCON)

United Kingdom Fusion Energy Ltd is soliciting the detailed design and manufacture of a scaled-down Fast Acting Low Conductance (FALCON) valve prototype under solicitation PP-UKFE-192. This prototype is critical for safeguarding exhaust vacuum pumping technology against sudden massive air ingress events or disruption mitigation for the STEP Prototype Powerplant (SPP). The scope of work encompasses the entire Vacuum Gate/Isolation valve casing, including the casing itself, the actuation mechanism, and the necessary seals to maintain vacuum integrity. A key performance requirement is that the valve must be capable of reaching its closed position within 37.5 ms. The estimated value of the contract is 200,000 GBP excluding VAT, with a performance period estimated from April 5, 2027, to April 5, 2028. This procurement is conducted via an open procedure and is noted as being particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. Award decisions will be based on a weighted evaluation consisting of technical quality at 60 percent, commercial price at 30 percent, and social value quality at 10 percent. Tenders must be submitted in English via the designated electronic portal by the deadline of December 4, 2026.