Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Satellite Applications Catapult
Electron Building, Fermi Avenue, Harwell
Didcot
OX11 0QR
procurement@sa.catapult.org.uk
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.mytenders.co.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA42845
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Other type
RTO
one.5) Main activity
Other activity
Space Sector
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Gravity Off-Load System (Unit A)
Reference number
SAC-24-017-A
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 42997300 - Industrial robots
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The Satellite Applications Catapult is seeking a suitable provider to an overhead gantry system that will enable simulation of orbital environments by off-loading the effect of gravity on a suspended object. The system provided will installed in the Catapult’s existing facility and will cover an area of 15m x 7m x 7m (lxwxh) and capable of carrying a 100kg payload. The system will be required to suspend objects in a free-floating manner but be able to move the object in any direction when a force is applied to it, thus simulating the in-orbit dynamics experienced during contact between space craft. As such, 6 degrees of freedom are required at the attachment point. The system will need to utilise its own control system to enable this, but it must be possible to provide force, position and trajectory data to external systems in a suitable format for data processing and control of other systems. Installation & commissioning of the system is to be included by the supplier.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £400,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Main site or place of performance
Westcott
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This is a prior information notice outlining this potential requirement to make the market aware of the potential upcoming need. If this progresses, procurement documentation will be published on the MyTenders portal and will be conducted by a competitive procurement process. We do not have further information to share at this point. Please ensure that you have registered your interest on the MyTenders portal to receive further updates about this opportunity.
two.2.14) Additional information
Additional background information is provided in the downloadable document “Background SAC IOSM Facility” – if you are having issues locating this document, please contact procurement@sa.catapult.org.uk to request a copy.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
15 September 2023
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
We are issuing a series of PINs related to this requirement. It is worth noting that not all of these will progress to contract but work is still underway to determine our preferred options.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the myTenders Web Site at https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=229852.
(MT Ref:229852)