Port Structures Manufacture, Diagnostic Integration, Assembly and Testing

The call for tenders F4E-OMF-1183 focuses on the manufacture, diagnostic integration, assembly, and testing of port structures for the ITER project, which is an ambitious international fusion energy initiative. The procurement opportunity is issued by Fusion for Energy (F4E) and is categorized as a framework contract with specific contracts aimed at suppliers capable of delivering advanced technological components and services for ITER.

The scope of the framework contract includes the manufacture, assembly, testing, and delivery of two Equatorial Diagnostics Ports and four Upper Diagnostics Ports. It also covers port integration support, site preparation, reception and installation support, as well as the operation, maintenance, and delivery of the Port Plug Test Facility (PPTF). Additionally, the contract encompasses testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and various Upper Launcher Plugs at the PPTF.

Three specific contracts will be awarded under this framework:
1. Raw materials, tooling, integration support, and manufacturing related to the ports.
2. Site preparation, reception, and installation support, as well as operation and maintenance of the PPTF.
3. Testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and Upper Launcher Plugs at the PPTF.

The procurement procedure is categorized as a negotiated competitive procedure, requiring potential applicants to submit tenders before the deadline of February 25, 2026, at 16:00. The main CPV code for this opportunity is 42000000, which relates to industrial machinery and construction work. Although the specific budget for the contracts is not disclosed, it is implied that substantial funding is available given the significance and complexity of the work involved.

Eligibility to apply is expected to be limited to European companies, particularly those possessing advanced manufacturing capabilities and experience related to complex scientific projects. The contracting arrangement permits both single entities and consortia, allowing for collaborative efforts which may enhance the capacity to meet project requirements.

The opportunity represents a significant step in advancing fusion energy technology and involves complex and specialized work essential for the success of the ITER initiative, reflecting F4E’s ongoing strategy to engage with Europe's industrial and research supply chains.

The call for tenders F4E-OMF-1183 concerns the manufacture, diagnostic integration, assembly, and testing of port structures for ITER. The submission method is non-electronic, and the call is currently open for submission.

The scope of the Framework Contract includes:

Manufacture, assembly, test, and delivery to ITER of 2 Equatorial Diagnostics Ports (EP01 and EP10) and 4 Upper Diagnostics Ports (UP01, UP03, UP10 and UP17).
Port Integration support.
Site preparation, reception and installation support, operation, maintenance and delivery to ITER site of the Port Plug Test Facility (PPTF).
Testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and 4 EC Upper Launcher Plugs (UL12, UL13, UL15 and UL16) to be executed at the PPTF.

Three Specific Contracts (SCs) will also be awarded:

SC01: Raw materials, tooling & integration support, and DSM & F'T manufacturing, port assembly and delivery (EP10, UP03, UP01 & UP10).
SC02: Site preparation, reception and installation support, operation, maintenance and delivery to ITER site of the Port Plug Test Facility (PPTF).
SC03: PPTF testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and 4 EC Upper Launcher Plugs (UL12, UL13, UL15 and UL16).

The procedure type is a competitive procedure with negotiation. The contract type is supplies. The TED publication date was 15 December 2025. The time limit for receipt of tenders is 25 February 2026 at 16:00. The estimated total value is not available (N/A). The main CPV code is 42000000, which corresponds to industrial machinery. The award method is not available (N/A). The address of the buyer profile is not available (N/A). Information about a public contract, a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) is not available (N/A). Questions and answers are available for download in PDF format (English only). No translations are available.

In summary, this tender is for the manufacturing, assembly, testing, and delivery of diagnostic port structures for the ITER fusion project. It includes the construction and operation of a Port Plug Test Facility (PPTF) and the testing of various port plugs. The tender is structured as a framework contract with three specific contracts covering different aspects of the project, from raw materials and manufacturing to site preparation and testing. Companies with expertise in industrial machinery, particularly those with experience in manufacturing and testing components for large scientific instruments or fusion reactors, would be well-suited to apply. The deadline for submitting tenders is February 25, 2026.

Eligible Applicant Types: The information provided does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the contract, which involves manufacturing, assembly, testing, and delivery of complex port structures for the ITER project, it is highly likely that eligible applicants would include large enterprises, SMEs with relevant expertise, and potentially research institutes with strong engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Public-private partnerships with relevant experience could also be eligible.

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is procurement, specifically a call for tenders. The contract type is supplies.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. However, considering the scope of the work, which includes manufacture, assembly, testing, delivery, integration support, and site preparation, it is possible that a consortium of multiple applicants with complementary expertise might be advantageous or even necessary to fulfill all the requirements.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The information does not explicitly state the geographic eligibility for applicants. However, since this is an EU funding opportunity related to the ITER project, it is likely that applicants from EU member states and potentially other countries participating in the ITER project (e.g., Switzerland) are eligible.

Target Sector: The target sector is primarily industrial machinery and manufacturing, specifically related to the construction and operation of fusion energy research facilities. This includes advanced machines/processes, industrial processes/components, and potentially advanced materials. The project also touches on aspects of energy (fusion energy research).

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The opportunity is related to the ITER project, which is an international collaboration.

Project Stage: The project stage is primarily focused on manufacturing, assembly, testing, and delivery, indicating a stage of development moving towards validation and demonstration within the context of the ITER project. It is not basic research but rather the implementation and testing of existing designs and technologies.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value is indicated as N/A. Therefore, the specific funding range is not identifiable from the provided text.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders. The submission method is non-electronic.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for the provision of goods and services, specifically the manufacture, assembly, testing, and delivery of port structures and related services.

Application Stages: The procedure type is a competitive procedure with negotiation, suggesting multiple stages. First, there is the submission of tenders, followed by a negotiation phase with selected tenderers. Therefore, there are at least two stages.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided information.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders (F4E-OMF-1183) for the "Port Structures Manufacture, Diagnostic Integration, Assembly and Testing" related to the ITER project. The opportunity involves a framework contract covering the manufacture, assembly, testing, and delivery of Equatorial and Upper Diagnostics Ports, port integration support, site preparation, and operation of the Port Plug Test Facility (PPTF). The contract also includes testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and EC Upper Launcher Plugs at the PPTF. Three specific contracts will be awarded covering raw materials, tooling, integration support, DSM & F'T manufacturing, port assembly and delivery; site preparation, reception and installation support, operation, maintenance and delivery of the PPTF; and PPTF testing of Diagnostic Port Plugs and EC Upper Launcher Plugs. The procedure is a competitive one with negotiation, and the contract type is supplies. The submission method is non-electronic, and the deadline for receipt of tenders is 25 February 2026. The main CPV code is 42000000, which relates to industrial machinery. The estimated total value is not available. The opportunity targets companies with expertise in industrial machinery, manufacturing, and potentially fusion energy technologies.