Deployment and Translation of a set of hydrophones and test panels into an underwater acoustic facility.

Prior to initiating the procurement, NPL wishes to establish the level of market interest in the forthcoming procurement process. Suitably qualified and experienced suppliers who may have an interest in this project are invited to register for this Preliminary Market Engagement. The purpose of the market engagement is to help assess the reaction of the market, to understand risks and future possibilities to ensure a future proofed procurement strategy and resulting contract. Any submission received in response to this exercise will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and NPL. Nor does the receipt of a response automatically include the respondent in the procurement process. A Tender Notice will be issued to the market which will provide details of how the relating procurement documentation can be accessed and timescales for submission of the said tender response. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participation in this Market Engagement of whatever nature. NPL shall not be liable for the costs, expenses or losses howsoever arising (including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss incurred), regardless of the outcome of the Market Engagement. The next stage in the process will be considered once this exercise has been completed. Questions Your Organisation 1. What is your organisation's name? 2. What is your name and role at the organisation? 3. Please Provide a brief description of your Organisation 4. Please provide the location (s) of your organisations operational facilities (eg headquarters, manufacturing site). Capabilities 5. Does your organisation have the capability to deliver a solution in line with the requirements described in the Scope section of this document. a. If yes, please provide an estimated lead time for delivery from the point of contract award. b. Are there any current or upcoming commitments, capacity constraints, or resource limitations that may affect your ability to submit an offer or deliver the project. Scope Delivery & Budget Alignment 6. Would your organisation be able to deliver the full project scope independently? If not, please specify which elements would require sub-contracting and identify any anticipated delivery partners (if known). 7. Are there any risks, issues, or opportunities that you believe NPL should consider in relation to the delivery of this project? 8. NPL's estimated budget for this project is £200,000 excluding VAT. Please confirm if delivery within this budget is feasible. If not please provide an indicative budget for a project of this nature. Route to Market, Contractual Terms & Timescales 9. NPL intends to conduct the Invitation to Tender (ITT) under the Flexible Procedure. Would your organisation be interested in participating via this route to market? If not please outline any concerns or barriers 10. Are there any contract terms or commercial conditions that your organisation would consider unacceptable, or any terms that if not included would deter your participation? Other Considerations 11. Are there any residual risks / recommendations / issues that you think we should consider when drafting the scope and the procurement strategy for this project? If you have any questions, or would like to provide a response to the above, please email etenders@npl.co.uk to request a Preliminary Market Engagement Supplier Questionnaire "FOR RESPONSES" excel spreadsheet. Please return all responses by 17.00, Friday 3rd April 2026