Operational Procurement & Transition Support

Location

Abingdon

Description

In 2022, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) engaged 4C Associates via the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Management Consultancy Framework 3 (RM6187). Following the establishment of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) as a separate legal entity in 2023, the contract was novated to UKIFS to ensure continuity of programme delivery. Since inception, 4C Associates have provided embedded consultancy resource across multiple functional areas within UKIFS, including Commercial, HR, Transformation and Operations. Importantly, 4C currently manages and delivers the majority of UKIFS' transactional procurement activity. This capability underpins day-to-day operational delivery across IPTs and supports compliance with UK public procurement regulations and internal governance controls. The CCS Management Consultancy Framework 3 (RM6187) has now expired and has been replaced by CCS Management Consultancy Framework 4 (RM6309). UKIFS is therefore seeking approval to undertake a 12-month Direct Award under CCS Management Consultancy Framework 4 (RM6309) to 4C Associates in order to: • Ensure continuity of critical procurement and business operations • Mitigate delivery and compliance risk • Maintain organisational capability whilst future commercial operating model options are assessed Failure to secure continuity would present fundamental operational and programme delivery risk across multiple functions.

Total Quantity or Scope

Operational Procurement Continuity - Maintain uninterrupted sourcing, pipeline management and supplier engagement capability to ensure delivery against STEP programme milestones. Organisational Transition Support - Provide structured oversight of workforce, process and governance alignment to enable stable transition into UKIFS' operating model. Enterprise Management System (EMS) Maturity - Support the development and formalisation of the UKIFS Enterprise Management System to embed compliant, scalable and auditable processes. Strategic Workforce & HR Partnering - Deliver HR business partnering to support workforce planning, recruitment and organisational capability development aligned to programme growth. Supply Chain & Materials Strategy Development - Design and mature a long-term supply chain strategy to ensure market readiness, resilience and alignment with STEP delivery requirements. Whole Plant Partner (WPP) Mobilisation - Enable mobilisation of WPP workstreams, ensuring procurement readiness, governance controls and delivery alignment. West Burton Programme Support - Provide on-site commercial and mobilisation support to maintain delivery momentum at the West Burton site. Digital Delivery & PMO Support - Provide structured programme management support to drive digital transformation initiatives critical to STEP delivery.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 79418000 - Procurement consultancy services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

Procurement Route selected: • Short term: - Direct Award under RM6309 for a 12-month period to ensure continuity of service while longer-term operating model options are assessed. • Medium term: - Prepare for Further Competition or market re procurement to manage cost pressure and reduce dependency • This approach balances continuity, compliance, and risk management while avoiding long term lock in at elevated rates.