Scope
Reference
GSS2533 - UKSAC25_0034
Description
We are looking for a technical delivery partner with a demonstrable background in delivering high quality remote optical tracking stations designed for autonomous satellite monitoring across all orbital regimes including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Whilst not critical, it would be advantageous if the system would be capable of performing occasional astrophotography (for outreach) and Near-Earth Asteroid tracking missions.
The delivery partner will be responsible for the rollout of an optical tracking station network. This is currently expected to span 5 locations herein referred to as "sites".
Contract 1. GSS2533 - UKSAC25_0034 - The Provision of Optical Delivery Partner
Supplier
Contract value
- £3,322,451 excluding VAT
- £3,986,941.20 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
12 August 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
12 August 2025
Standstill period
- End: 21 August 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
26 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2028
- 2 years, 7 months
Description of possible extension:
FY 25/26 - maximum value shall not exceed £1,750,000.00 excluding VAT. This shall cover the complete UK test site and additionally the hardware for FY 25/26 deployments (excl. domes) - please refer to Section 4 for further detail.
FY 26/27 - maximum value shall not exceed £1,800,000 excluding VAT. This shall cover the deployment of two overseas sites.
FY 27/28 - maximum value shall not exceed £2,700,000.00 excluding VAT. This shall cover the deployment of two overseas sites.
FY 28/29 - UKSA reserves the right to execute an optional extension into FY 28/29, should this be required by delays or risks materialising in preceding years or in response to operational needs, subject to budget availability.
FY 29/30 - UKSA reserves the right to execute an optional extension into FY 28/29, should this be required by delays or risks materialising in preceding years or in response to operational needs, subject to budget availability.
Bidders are advised that there is currently no commitment beyond FY 25/26 as budgets are yet to be confirmed and are subject to approval. This contract is therefore offered on a 3 year basis, with a break clause at 31st March 2026 and 31st March 2027. Should extensions be required, these will be done on a 1+1 basis.
This contract will be broken down into 3 work packages covering FY 25/26, 26/27 and 27/28. Please note that UKSA will require go/no-go decisions before the purchase of hardware which is dependent on siting and planning approvals based on the winning providers solution.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 30210000 - Data-processing machines (hardware)
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Information about tenders
- 7 tenders received
- 7 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 6 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
Slingshort Aerospace Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNHT-7545-TCRV
Space Systems Operations Facility
Newquay
TR8 4HP
United Kingdom
Region: UKK30 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. GSS2533 - UKSAC25_0034 - The Provision of Optical Delivery Partner
Contracting authority
UKSA
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRTY-4245-MTJY
Harwell Campus, Rutherford Avenue
Didcot
OX11 0DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
UK Shared Business Services Ltd
Summary of their role in this procurement: Shared Service Provider
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPN-7535-GNTG
Polaris house, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FF
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon