2250/ITTO/SC Cryogenic Electric Propulsion Facility

Introduction: This is an Invitation to Tender (ITT) with information, instructions and guidance provided in this document. Tender submission (consisting of the completion of the Online Supplier Questionnaire, Technical Response, and Commercial response documents) should be completed and returned by all Tenderers who wish to bid for the contract. Please note, throughout the tender documentation the University of Nottingham will be referred to as 'UoN'. Synopsis: The UoN requires the design, manufacture, install and commissioning of a Cryogenic Electric Propulsion Facility (CEPF) to a high standard which will include a cryogenic cooling system and a cryogenically cooled aluminium DC electrical bus, both of which shall have defined physical and functional interfaces to the device under test (DUT). - Supply helium gas at 20 to 35 Kelvin to the device under test (DUT) and return it back to the helium plant. - Supply helium gas at 60 to 120 Kelvin to the device under test (DUT) and return it back to the helium plant. - Supply helium gas at 20 to 35 Kelvin to an aluminium electric bus bar (Cbus) and return it back to the helium plant. - Supply Liquid Nitrogen at 77 K to the device under test (DUT) and purge it to the atmosphere. - The electrical bus needs to carry 4kA direct current into the DUT using the cryogenic characteristics of aluminium. A modular system is required to achieve a variety of configurations with each module quoted separately, and any linkages clearly identified. Options could be provided for installation of working components in standard containers in a location that is within 50 miles of The University of Nottingham upon agreement with the supplier. Objectives: To establish a contract for the CEPF requirements and ensure strategic developments such as: - Obtain value for money for goods and services. - Establish a Collaborative Contract that allows multiple Sub-Contractors share IP with the intent to deliver the project requirements. - Social value and sustainability is factored into our commercial activities - Eliminate the risk of modern-day slavery within the supply chain. Estimated Value: The estimated budget for this project (2250/ITT/SC) is £3,000,000 to £6,000,000 which includes design, manufacture, delivery, commissioning, and all VAT and duty obligations. The tender will be divided into two lots, a guideline budget for each lot is included in the specification documentation. Consideration will be given to each proposal, or combination of proposals, which provides the best value for money in line with the Objectives.