Provision Of A Technical Services Framework For The Office For Nuclear Regulation
Framework Description
The Office for Nuclear Regulation's Technical Services Framework (TSF4, reference ONR/T1111) gives the regulator specialist technical support across four lots: fault analysis; civil engineering and external hazards; specialist engineering and technical services; and digital technology and cyber security. It is an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023, awarded in October 2026. It starts on 1 November 2026 for an initial three years and can run to 31 October 2034.
Context & Use Case
ONR is the independent regulator of nuclear safety and security at 36 nuclear licensed sites in the UK. It uses TSF4 to call on specialist technical support in the four lot areas when its regulatory work needs it. TSF4 replaces the earlier Technical Support Framework, which ran from 2022 to 2026, so many users and suppliers will know the model.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Fault Analysis Lot 2: Civil Engineering & External Hazards Lot 3: Specialist Engineering and Technical Services Lot 4: Digital Technology & Cyber Security
Lots
Lot 1 - Fault Analysis; Lot 2 - Civil Engineering & External Hazards; Lot 3 - Specialist Engineering and Technical Services; Lot 4 - Digital Technology & Cyber Security
Who Can Apply
Suits engineering and technical consultancies with nuclear safety expertise in fault analysis, civil and external hazards, specialist engineering or digital and cyber security. Sixteen suppliers were appointed in October 2026. As an open framework, ONR may reopen it at the end of years three and six, when new suppliers can tender alongside incumbents.
Buyer Benefits
ONR needs advice it can trust to be technically sound and free of conflicts with the industry it regulates. A framework of vetted specialists across four disciplines lets it commission that support quickly and on consistent terms, rather than tendering each study.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should prepare for ONR tasking from 1 November 2026, including conflict of interest checks, which carry extra weight when advising a regulator. Others should read ONR's award notice on Find a Tender to understand the lots, then prepare for the first possible reopening at the end of year three by building nuclear safety case studies and independence arrangements.
How Athena Can Help
Appointed firms still have to win ONR tasking. Athena can help them respond with clear technical proposals, independence statements and competitive rates through our bid support for call-offs.
Because TSF4 is an open framework, firms outside it can apply when ONR reopens it. Our framework registration consultants can plan that application, choose the right lots and find other nuclear and government technical frameworks open now. Our bid strategy for regulated sectors helps you decide where to compete, so your pipeline does not depend on a single regulator.
