Scope
Reference
UKSAC25_0034
Description
The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) is intending to procure a delivery partner for the provision of an optical tracking station network, which is currently expected to span 5 locations. One location is designated as a UK test site and four further locations are expected to be overseas. Each site will contain one complete "Sensor System Stack" comprising of a protective dome, compute, telescope mount, telescope, cameras, sensors, cables and any other hardware required to enable successful satellite tracking.
We will require the supplier to deliver, ship, store and integrate all hardware required to fulfil the specification, including appropriate controller devices with software to autonomously control the protective dome. Observatories will be deployed, adjusted (e.g. optics collimated) and brought into operation by the supplier in remote overseas locations which may have limited/no local population. UKSA will have responsibility for securing sites with necessary permission, but suppliers will be expected to complete necessary enabling works (e.g. provision of concrete base and security fencing).
The total value of this contract shall not exceed £6,250,000.00 (exclusive of VAT). Prospective suppliers should note UKSA intends to offer this on a 3-year basis, but budget is not currently confirmed beyond 31st March 2026. Beyond this point, activity is subject to budget confirmation and is not guaranteed, which will be reflected in break clauses in the contract. UKSA anticipates that FY 25/26 will include the completion of the UK test site and purchase of hardware for FY 26/27 deployments. FY 26/27 will include the deployment of two overseas sites and FY 27/28 will include the deployment of the final two overseas sites.
Full details will be available in the forthcoming specification.
Total value (estimated)
- £6,250,000 excluding VAT
- £7,500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years, 7 months
Description of possible extension:
UKSA reserves the right to execute up to two optional extensions should any known risks materialise during the life of the contract.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 30210000 - Data-processing machines (hardware)
- 30230000 - Computer-related equipment
- 35125100 - Sensors
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
12 May 2025
Enquiry deadline
16 May 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
20 June 2025, 12:00pm
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
11 July 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Pricing will be on a capped time and materials basis. Bidders will be asked to submit day rates for relevant staff attached to each work package and rates for hardware. |
Price | 30% |
| Technical: Hardware Solution | This criterion will ask bidders to provide detail of their proposed technical solution, including: * The hardware being procured and its expected component lifetimes * System architecture diagram... |
Quality | 25% |
| Technical: Team Composition, Skills and Experience | This criterion will ask bidders to outline the knowledge and expertise of the proposed team (including proposed subcontractors where known) and for details of any previous similar projects undertaken. |
Quality | 15% |
| Technical: Proposed Project Plan | This criterion will ask bidders to outline their proposed project management approach with reference to the objectives and deliverables highlighted in the specification in a Project Management Plan.... |
Quality | 10% |
| Technical: Risk Management | This criterion will ask bidders to provide a Risk Management Plan which details key risks and mitigations and how these will be managed. |
Quality | 10% |
| Social Value | This criterion will focus on criterion 3 from Procurement Policy Note 002: Social Value, which asks suppliers about resilient, innovative and flexible supply chains that support economic growth and... |
Quality | 10% |
Other information
Payment terms
UKSA anticipates that payments will be on a quarterly basis for labour, subject to agreement with the successful supplier. Payment schedule for payments associated with hardware work packages will be detailed in the specification.
Description of risks to contract performance
This contract includes a number of known risks which will be detailed further in the specification:
* Delays relating to planning and enabling works, which may require amendment to address to ensure successful deployment of all five sites can proceed
* Delays relating to supply chain issues, such as component lead times being extended beyond what was foreseen at tender submission, which may require amendment to address
* Operational constraints may change resulting in UKSA's planned sites becoming unavailable, which may require amendment to address
* Operational requirements may change, resulting in more or less sites being required than the 5 set out in the original tender documentation, which may require amendment to address (including uplifting or extending the contract)
* Hardware related issues, such as manufacturing defects or inadequate installation, which may require amendment to address
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Contracting authority
UK Space Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRTY-4245-MTJY
Quad Two Building (1st Floor), Rutherford Avenue, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
OX11 0DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government