Nuclear Safeguards Technical Support Services

The Nuclear Safeguards Programme (NSP) seeks to provide international nuclear safeguards technical support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Nuclear safeguards are technical measures used to verify that countries comply with their international obligations and do not misuse nuclear materials for weapons purposes. They form a critical part of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and enable international trade in civil nuclear materials, equipment, and technology. This is essential to the UK's civil nuclear energy strategy as part of its low-carbon energy transition. The programme aims to: (1) assist the IAEA in maintaining and improving the effectiveness of its safeguards systems and influence technical safeguards policy development; (2) support the UK in meeting its international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in a cost-effective manner; and (3) provide direct safeguards and technical expertise to DESNZ and other UK Government departments to support domestic policy development on safeguards and non-proliferation matters. The contracting authority has completed structured market engagement including three online consultation sessions to understand supplier capabilities and market conditions, ensuring the procurement approach is aligned with what the market can deliver.