Provision of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO)

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    "name": "Department for Energy Security \u0026 Net Zero"
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      "dateSigned": "2025-08-05T00:00:00+01:00",
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        "startDate": "2025-09-01T00:00:00+01:00"
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      "status": "active",
      "title": "Provision of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO)",
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  "date": "2025-09-01T15:10:51+01:00",
  "id": "052871-2025",
  "initiationType": "tender",
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  "tag": [
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  "tender": {
    "description": "NIRO provides independent strategic and technical advice to Government that will de-risk investment, inform policy, and enable maximum value for money to the UK taxpayer. NIRO works in partnership with NIRAB to advise on the research and innovation needed for nuclear energy to play a significant role in the UK\u2019s future low carbon and secure energy mix while creating the environment for UK nuclear industry to contribute significantly to our economy.",
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    "procurementMethod": "direct",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "We would therefore like to relet this contract as a Single Tender Action, for the following reasons:  \n\u2022 NIRO has built up a strong reputation amongst end users in DESNZ \u2013 people now understand the service and what it offers, and trust NIRO to deliver. It is also respected by the wider nuclear industry as an objective party who can convene groups with different views to encourage collaboration.  \n\u2022 NIRO has recruited a strong team of experts. NNL will need to end the secondments of these people when the contract comes to an end in March, if we do not have certainty about the next contract. DESNZ and NNL would lose credibility with industry partners.  \n\u2022 NNL provide the service at cost \u2013 they do not charge profit but reclaim a proportion of their overhead costs for hosting the office (IT, central support costs etc). NNL\u2019s salary remit is approved by DESNZ Ministers in line with Cabinet Office controls.  \n\u2022 Much of what NIRO delivers is related to security / classified issues (e.g work relating to plutonium). Several team members are DV cleared and NNL IT can process sensitive nuclear information. NIRO advise on policy in development when requirements can be unclear and can\u2019t be released publicly.  \n\u2022 We have a seat on the NNL Board, and DESNZ Ministers approve NNL\u2019s salary remit \u2013 so we have good oversight of costs, and levers of influence. Both organisations have a desire to make this contract a success on a collaborative basis \u2013 we would not have the same levers with a member of the supply chain.  \n\u2022 We have developed a set of ethical barriers with NNL to give assurance that NIRO is separate from NNL\u2019s commercial operations. This was audited recently and practices found to be strong. Of 10 Findings, six were found to be green, and four amber with recommendations for strengthening practices. The recommendations have all been acted upon.  \n\u2022 We consider that competition is absent for technical reasons and that there is therefore a case for relying on the exemption under regulation 32(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (competition is absent for technical reasons).",
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    "status": "complete",
    "title": "Provision of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO)"
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}