Tooling and Fixture Framework

The National Composite Centre intends to set up a Framework Agreement for the supply of Tooling and Fixture Design and/or Manufacture. The framework is likely to comprise of the following lots:

1. Composite & 'Polymer Block' Tooling 2. Metallic Tooling 3. Machining, Inspection & Assembly Fixture 4. RTM/Matched Tooling 5. "Intelligent tooling" - Tooling with added features such as embedded sensors, thermocouples etc 6. "Intelligent tooling" - Design, Procurement & Supply 7. Tooling & Fixture Design (only) 8. Tooling & Fixture Design, Procurement & Supply

Suppliers are invited to express an interest for any of the lots above. This notice serves to alert the marketplace to this opportunity and the NCC invites interested contractors to lodge an initial expression of interest as detailed herein. Contractors may also provide any other information which they feel may support the NCC with scoping and planning for this exercise.

Following receipt of Expressions of Interest, it is currently the intention of the NCC to utilise a Restricted Procedure route under the Public Procurement Regulations 2015, although this may be reviewed following the outcome of this PIN.

Details and guidance on the procurement process will be provided within the tender documentation, including help and support in responding via the e-tendering portal. The NCC reserves the right to award all, none, or part of the business. Interested suppliers can express their interest in this opportunity by sending an email to [email protected]. To be able to participate in this procurement they would also have to register on the University of Bristol e-tendering portal Bravo Solutions: https://tenders.bris.ac.uk

Tender documents will be finalised following supplier feedback and issued thereafter. (Note: There are currently no tender documents at this stage - this stage is to understand market interest via expressions of interest only)

Please note, the NCC intends to use the information gathered to shape the proposed procurement process and specification for this framework. Commercially confidential information should therefore be marked accordingly. Following consideration of responses the NCC may wish to engage in further discussions with the respondents which may also further help to inform any subsequent Tender documentation.

Participating in this market sounding exercise will not guarantee short-listing at a later stage in the procurement, nor will non-participation in this market sounding exercise restrict access to the tender opportunity.

As a result of feedback or for any other reason, the NCC may make the decision not to go ahead with any proposed procurement exercise. The NCC will not meet any costs incurred by any party in responding to this notice.