Nuclear Safeguards Programme

Descriptions

The Nuclear Safeguards Programme (NSP) provides international nuclear safeguards technical support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Nuclear safeguards are technical measures to verify that States comply with their international obligations not to misuse nuclear materials for the manufacture of nuclear explosives.  They are an essential part of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and underpin the international system of assurance which enables trade in civil nuclear material, equipment and technology between states - as such they have a key enabling role in the UK's own plans for civil nuclear energy as part of the low carbon energy mix.   

The NSP is part of the UK contribution to the maintenance of the international safeguards regime with main aims as follows:   

- to assist the IAEA in ensuring the continued and improved effectiveness of its safeguards system and to influence the formulation of technical safeguards policy in the IAEA;  

- to assist the United Kingdom in meeting international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ('the NPT') in as cost-effective a manner as possible; 

- to provide direct safeguards and technical support to DESNZ and the wider UK Government to assist in the formulation of domestic policy on safeguards and non-proliferation issues

Market engagement

The market engagement seeks supplier feedback to inform the programme structure and delivery model. We welcome input regarding effective methods for delivering the work streams within this programme.

Engagement

Suppliers interested in participating are invited to express their interest in attending a webinar organised by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This webinar will take place on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 at 3:00pm. To confirm attendance, suppliers must send an email to nuclearcommercial@energysecurity.gov.uk by 12:00 PM GMT on 22nd September 2025. The email should include the organisation name and the names and email addresses of up to three nominated attendees. Engagement Process The Department will conduct a preliminary market engagement session, open to all suppliers and interested parties. After each session, a written questionnaire will be provided, offering respondents the chance to submit more detailed and confidential feedback. During the webinar, there will be a presentation outlining the high-level service requirements. The session will also cover initial ideas regarding the procurement structure and commercial aspects. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share comments, with further input welcome via the follow-up questionnaire distributed after the event. Webinar Details The Preliminary Market Engagement Webinar will be hosted via MS Teams at 3:00pm on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025. For those unable to attend, the session content can be provided upon request following the webinar. How to Express Interest To register interest in attending the engagement sessions and submitting feedback, parties should email nuclearcommercial@energysecurity.gov.uk. Please include the names, roles, and organisation for up to three attendees. It should be noted that DESNZ does not guarantee the launch of a procurement process and cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by potential suppliers in registering their interest.