PFPNet is inviting proposals from suitably qualified organisations to deliver an experimental programme characterising a range of gaseous hydrogen (H₂) releases and the conditions experienced by engulfed targets.
The work forms part of PFPNet H₂ Project Phase 2 and will support the development of a future standard test method for determining the resistance of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) materials and systems to engulfing gaseous H₂ jet fires.
Background
Previous PFPNet research has demonstrated that H₂ jet fires can impose heat loads and local dynamic pressures significantly greater than those associated with the natural gas jet fires that the existing ISO 22899-1 jet fire test was designed to represent.
Further work has indicated that, while PFP materials can provide a degree of resistance to H₂ jet fires, rates of temperature rise can be around 1.5 to 2.5 times higher, with different mechanisms of failure also possible.
The current experimental programme has been designed to characterise these conditions and provide robust evidence to inform the development of a future test method.
The Opportunity
The successful subcontractor will design and deliver an experimental programme that:
- develops the experimental methodology and plan;
- undertakes the specified experiments;
- generates robust evidence;
- identifies operational limitations;
- processes the experimental data; and
- provides recommendations for future implementation.
The tender is divided into three test packages – A, B and C – reflecting different hydrogen release conditions. Organisations may bid for one, two or all three packages.
As the programme is experimental in nature, innovative methodologies are encouraged. Bidders should propose the optimum programme that can be delivered within the available fixed budget, with accuracy of measurement and the quality of the evidence prioritised over simply increasing the number of tests.
Contract details
Tender reference: PFPNet2026-008
Issue date: 7 September 2026
Closing date: 14 October 2026
Fixed budget: £65,000 excluding VAT
Contract duration: 6 months
Download the tender document here.
Who can bid?
We welcome bids from any organisation with the capability and availability to undertake the work.
Bidders should be able to demonstrate the expertise and resources required to deliver their proposed programme, together with relevant experience in delivering quality research programmes.
Proposals will be evaluated against:
- Technical Quality – 40%
- Delivery Timeframe – 40%
- Laboratory and team track record of delivering quality research programmes – 20%
What will the work contribute to?
The results of the experimental programme will be used to define an experimental setup which will be finalised and published as a PFPNet test procedure. This is intended to provide the basis for subsequent work and will then be submitted to ISO TC92 SC2 for consideration as a future part of the ISO 22899 jet fire test series.
Key dates
Questions deadline: 30 September 2026
Tender closing date: 14 October 2026
Contract award: 19 October 2026
Target programme start: 30 November 2026
How to submit
Tender responses should include a technical proposal, project schedule/plan, budget and allocation, risk register, project team and CVs, relevant experience, and a statement addressing the requirements of the JIP Terms of Participation.
Submissions must be received by 14 October 2026 and should be sent to ian.bradley@pfpnet.com. Late submissions may not be considered.
Interested in bidding?
Download the tender document here.
We welcome proposals from organisations with the capability, facilities and availability to contribute to this important experimental programme.