DC1 Solar Wall Principal Contractor 2026 Tender

Natural History Museum

About this tender

The Natural History Museum is procuring a Principal Contractor with specialist façade expertise on a Design and Build basis for the upgrade and replacement of the DC1 Glass Solar Wall, located within the Museum estate. The scope covers design, engineering, procurement, manufacture, installation and completion of the works. The contractor must provide all resources, specialist façade design input, management, supervision and coordination needed to deliver the works in line with the Contract, a detailed performance specification and the Employer's Requirements. The Darwin Centre Phase 1 (DC1) building is prominent in the Museum complex, visible from Queen's Gate in South Kensington and overlooking the UNP gardens. Replacing the façade will return this section of the site to operational use and reintegrate it into full use. The works follow an investigative study after three glass panels failed on the south-facing Solar Wall elevation. The Solar Wall was installed in 2002, and secondary façade components of this type usually have an expected service life of around 25 years when properly maintained. Access to the tender documents is conditional on a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Bidders must have it signed by an authorised person and return it to the Museum via the Message Centre for counter-signature. Document access is granted once both parties have signed. The expected contract duration is not stated in the notice.

Bidder eligibility

Bidders must be suitably qualified and experienced, with specialist façade expertise capable of delivering a Design and Build principal contractor role for glass solar wall replacement. Bidders must sign and return an NDA through the Message Centre before receiving tender documents. Specific registrations, classifications, financial thresholds and prior reference requirements are not stated in the notice text provided.

Key requirements

• ✓Specialist façade design and engineering expertise
• ✓Solar photovoltaic installation and manufacturing capability
• ✓Design and Build delivery model with full project management and supervision
• ✓Compliance with detailed performance specification and Employer's Requirements
• ✓NDA signature required before access to tender documents

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.