Decommissioning of Cyclotron Vault

Description

This notice is issued to inform the market of pre-market engagement activity in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. Cardiff University intends to undertake a procurement for the decommissioning of a cyclotron vault facility located within Cardiff. The purpose of this pre-market engagement is to inform the development of the procurement strategy, specification, and evaluation criteria by engaging with organisations that have relevant expertise and capability in delivering such works. This engagement will support the Authority in understanding market capacity, delivery models, technical approaches, and key risks associated with the requirement. This notice does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment to enter into a contract. Background: Cardiff University houses a cyclotron used in the production of medical radioisotopes for research and clinical applications. The University is progressing plans to decommission the existing cyclotron installation and associated infrastructure. This will include: - Removal of the cyclotron and associated systems - Decommissioning of activated components of the cyclotron - Removal of activated structural elements within the vault The cyclotron vault is a heavily shielded structure designed to contain ionising radiation generated during operation. As part of its original design, internal wall structures were constructed as sacrificial layers, intended to absorb radiation during operation and facilitate their removal at end of life. These sacrificial walls will require controlled removal and appropriate disposal as part of the decommissioning process. The works will therefore include the removal of activated walls within the vault, alongside the removal of the cyclotron and associated activated components. These works represent a specialist radiological decommissioning project requiring appropriate expertise in radiation safety, dismantling, structural removal, and compliant handling and disposal of activated materials. Scope of Pre-Market Engagement : The University is seeking expressions of interest from organisations with experience in one or more of the following areas: - Radiological decommissioning of specialist facilities - Cyclotron or medical isotope production facility decommissioning - Removal and disposal of activated materials, including structural elements - Nuclear or radiological engineering and dismantling - Radioactive waste handling, treatment, and disposal Through this pre-market engagement, the University is seeking feedback to support the development of a future procurement, including: - Refinement of the technical specification - Development of appropriate evaluation criteria - Understanding of delivery and contracting models (e.g. single contractor or consortium approach) - Identification of key risks, constraints, and regulatory considerations - Indicative programme durations and mobilisation requirements No preferred delivery model has been selected at this stage. The University is not currently seeking bids or formal proposals, but rather information and feedback to support procurement development. Participation in this pre-market engagement does not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, a commitment to procure or enter into any contractual arrangement. Nature of Engagement: Organisations responding to this notice will be invited to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) response document, participate in individual meetings or site visits, and provide feedback on potential technical approaches, delivery models, and risks. Engagement will be conducted on a non-competitive and non-discriminatory basis. Participation will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement process. Future Procurement: The University intends that the outcome of this pre-market engagement will inform a future procurement for the decommissioning works. The procurement route, structure, and timeline will be finalised following completion of this engagement. Any future procurement will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. Participation in this engagement will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process. How to Respond: Interested organisations are invited to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) Response Document as confirmation of interest in participating in discussions. Suppliers must complete and return the forms via the correspondence function on the Universities e-tender portal In-Tend: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/cardiffuniversity/ Responses should be submitted by the deadline 17th July 2026 at 17.00 Transparency & Compliance: This pre-market engagement is conducted in line with the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and proportionality. This notice is issued for market engagement purposes only. No costs incurred by participants will be reimbursed, and no contractual obligations arise from participation.