UKAEA Awards Contract for DCO Management

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has awarded a significant contract for the STEP programme, focused on DCO Management Services. The awarded contract, valued at £8.5 million, was granted to Quod Limited after a competitive tendering process that received two submissions.

Quod Limited, based in London, will lead the Development Consent Order (DCO) application process on behalf of UKAEA. This essential project aims to prepare for consultations starting in Q3 2024, culminating in the DCO award expected in 2029, barring any schedule changes. The contract encompasses a range of consultant services, including consultative engineering, construction, and environmental planning.

UKAEA's focus on innovation within fusion research highlights the importance of expert consultancy in navigating regulatory frameworks. The award underscores the increasing collaboration between governmental bodies and specialized suppliers to achieve complex project objectives effectively.

The UKAEA is committed to ensuring that the procurement process supports public value and markets effectiveness, as demonstrated by the stringent award criteria that incorporated qualitative factors along with pricing. With Quod Limited's experience, the project is poised for successful implementation.