Site Characterisation Professional Services Support (SCPSS)
Planned date for tender release: Summer 2026
Page Updated 5th May 2026
The Site Characterisation Professional Services Support (SCPSS) will be a multi lot, multi supplier framework agreement that will provide Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) with comprehensive professional services support for site characterisation activities for up to 5 years.
In order to enable NWS access to a broad range of expertise, the framework scope is divided into the following lots:
- Lot 1 – Site Characterisation Planning and Technical Advisory
- Lot 2 – Geological and Geophysical Interpretation
- Lot 3 – Hydrogeological Interpretation
This procurement will be conducted via the Atamis e-procurement system.
Please register early here.
Market Engagement
The purpose of this webpage is to facilitate communication and relevant document sharing between NWS and prospective suppliers in advance of the upcoming tender. It forms part of an ongoing market engagement process. For the latest documents please refer to the below section ‘Procurement Documentation’.
In addition there will be other market engagement activities conducted to share principles of our procurement strategy and draft ITT documentation. The feedback received will enable us to incorporate valuable input into the final tender documents and help the market get a clearer understanding of the project, scope and commercial requirements.
The SCPSS will bridge the gap between a number of existing frameworks and contracts which will end prior to the Site Characterisation Delivery Partner (SCDP) coming on board. NWS do not currently foresee any conflict of interest between the SCPSS and the SCDP.
Procurement Programme and Next Steps
Following the on from the Webinar NWS has been developing the staategy and the tender documents. It is the intention to publish these draft documents on this webpage for viewing. This approach will allow the market to engage with NWS on specific areas of the approach allowing clarification and dsscussion to take place ahead of the formal tender process.
The indicative programme key dates are captured in the table below. These dates are subject to change and NWS will consider its formal commencement of the tender process with respect to the Secretary of State (SoS) decision.
| Market Engagement Activity | Timescale |
| Launch of SCPSS dedicated webpage | 25th November2025 (completed) |
| Issue of Request for Information (RFI) | 25th November 2025 (completed) |
| Webinar | 9th March 2026 (completed) |
| Share of SCPSS documentation via webpage | Following webinar and before Tender Notice |
| Ad hoc meetings, calls | Following webinar and before Tender Notice |
| First Stage: Conditions of Participation | July 2026 |
| Second Stage: Tender Stage | October 2026 |
| Award | January 2027 |
Procurement documentation
Any documents on this page are the latest, but not final, position for NWS. As such they are marked as Draft and are hosted for your review and comment. Please use the email to send communications about these documents or to arrange a meeting (in person or via Teams) to discuss.
Submit Your Queries: If you have any questions or need clarification, you can submit them to: GDFMajorprocurements@nuclearwasteservices.uk. Please include ‘SCPSS’ in the message title
Stay Informed: Regular updates and additional documents will be shared here as the tender process progresses. Notices about upcoming market engagements will be communicated via Find a Tender and Atamis
If you require an accessible version of any of our documentation, please contact GDFMajorprocurements@nuclearwasteservices.uk
Contact the GDF major procurements team
We welcome feedback on the documentation and any requests for meetings or calls via this mailbox. Please make sure the title of the procurement is clearly stated in the subject line.