Provision of a Technical Services Framework for the Office for Nuclear Regulation

Overview

ONR is the independent UK regulator of the nuclear industry, including existing, decommissioned and new reactors. It employs more than 650 professional staff, with specialist regulatory roles (e.g. nuclear safety/security/safeguards); corporate professions including Policy and Communications, Finance, IT, and Human Resources, and other core functions. ONR's Head Office, housing its main functions, is in Bootle, Liverpool, with two smaller offices in London and Cheltenham. ONR independently regulates nuclear safety and security at 36 nuclear licensed sites in the UK. We also regulate transport and ensure that safeguards obligations for the UK are met. Our duty is to ensure that the nuclear industry controls its hazards effectively, has a culture of continuous improvement and maintains high standards. The nuclear industry is undergoing rapid change and our role as a regulator is vital in ensuring new nuclear facilities are designed, built and operated to the highest standards, and in a manner that engenders public confidence. We also oversee the decommissioning of nuclear sites and cooperate with international regulators on safety and security issues of common concern, including associated research. Our work is critical to the protection of society at large so it is important that we do it with rigour, diligence and with an appropriate level of assurance. Whilst ONR continues to invest in its staff to build capability and resilience, we also recognise the importance of operating efficiently and effectively through its relationships with stakeholders such as industry bodies, the supply chain and academic institutions to help inform our capability, research and decisions. At present, ONR secures technical services through framework contracts with a number of specialist service providers and / or through standalone procurement activity. Following a review of its extant arrangements and to ensure effective support to its on going regulatory activity, ONR intends to establish a new Technical Services Framework, with effect from 01 November 2026. The proposed Technical Services Framework will comprise the following four Lots: Lot 1 - Fault Analysis Lot 2 - Civil Engineering & External Hazards Lot 3 - Specialist Engineering and Technical Services Lot 4 - Digital Technology & Cyber Security The full Framework scope and details of the specific disciplines within each Lot are provided in the Bidder Pack which also contains the full details of the opportunity, the tender process and how to submit a tender. The Bidder Pack is available via the ONR Procurement Portal