T/SP050/22 STEP Construction Partner – Site, Plant, and Infrastructure Delivery PIN 1

Tender description

The current phase of the STEP programme (Tranche 1) concludes in April 2024 when, subject to approval, Tranche 2a will commence. This is the phase when STEP will develop from an embryonic programme with a concept design and a selected site, and contracted support; to a fully formed major programme bringing together and developing extensive industrial capabilities to deliver a full plant design, a viable supply chain and to seek the consents needed for construction. STEP is looking for a Construction Partner that will be a full member of the Integrated Delivery Team and, in collaboration with the wider team and the STEP leadership, will help shape the design for constructability, evolve the construction strategy, develop site plans and ultimately manage and develop the STEP site through a major multi – project construction phase, ensuring highest standards of safety. Lot 1: The current phase of the STEP programme (Tranche 1) concludes in April 2024 when, subject to approval, Tranche 2a will commence. This is the phase when STEP will develop from an embryonic programme with a concept design and a selected site, and contracted support; to a fully formed major programme bringing together and developing extensive industrial capabilities to deliver a full plant design, a viable supply chain and to seek the consents needed for construction. To enable delivery of Tranche 2a and beyond, UKAEA proposes to establish an appropriate programme leadership capability, potentially a new Special Purpose Vehicle (subject to approvals), which will establish an integrated delivery team with three strategic partners; an engineering partner (EP) (via a separate procurement), a construction partner (CP) (via this procurement) and a Fusion partner (FP) (already defined to be UKAEA). This team will work collaboratively, under joint incentivisation mechanisms to be developed. These partners will not only be core to delivery of the programme but will also secure market-leading experience and knowledge. Proprietary Value, including IP, is intended to be developed across all participating organisations. The CP will be a full member of the Integrated Delivery Team and, in collaboration with the wider team and the STEP leadership, will help shape the design for constructability, evolve the construction strategy, develop site plans and ultimately manage and develop the STEP site through a major multi – project construction phase, ensuring highest standards of safety. The CP will be responsible for delivering a site development programme, including innovative building designs focused on cost, schedule, safety and sustainability; provide an integrated concurrent deployment schedule and ensure effective asset management for all facilities across the site and management of the construction supply chain, taking direct responsibility for some sourcing decisions and working with the SPV leadership on more significant procurements. The CP will work with the EP and SDO Engineering Team to design and construct all buildings and facilities on the STEP site.”