Scope
Reference
GDS5841
Description
Government Digital Service, part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, is working to enhance and co-ordinate public sector access to satellite-derived Earth Observation (EO) data across the UK. This also includes promoting the use of artificial intelligence to generate deeper insights and build capability. The aim is to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and support the delivery of key government priorities such as climate resilience, national security, and digital transformation.
Subject to internal budget approvals, we have identified an opportunity to procure selected commercial EO data and services for use across the UK public sector. This would help to address limitations in the spatial and temporal resolution, as well as the spectral coverage, of existing open sources. By strengthening the geospatial and EO data available to public bodies, it would support more informed decision-making and better outcomes for citizens.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 1 October 2029
- Possible extension to 1 October 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 38126000 - Surface observing apparatus
- 38221000 - Geographic information systems (GIS or equivalent)
- 48614000 - Data-acquisition system
- 72268000 - Software supply services
- 72300000 - Data services
- 71354200 - Aerial mapping services
- 35631200 - Observation satellites
- 35720000 - Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
17 September 2025
Engagement process description
Interested suppliers are requested to give notification of their interest to attend a webinar to be hosted by the Government Digital Service on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at 11:00am. A second webinar session will likely take place later in the autumn, with exact dates to be confirmed closer to the date.
Notice of interest should be sent via email to Geospatial.EO@dsit.gov.uk by 5:00 PM GMT 12th September 2025, with the company name and email address(es) of the attendee(s). Suppliers are permitted to nominate up to three individuals from each organisation.
How we intend to engage
We intend to conduct preliminary market engagement over two rounds, with 2 distinct sessions open to suppliers and interested parties, each followed by a written questionnaire for respondents to share thoughts in greater detail and confidentiality.
The first session (referred to as Public Sector EO preliminary market engagement 1 or PME1), will include a presentation covering the high-level data and service requirements based on needs of the public sector and current understanding of market capabilities. It will invite feedback on early thinking around procurement structure / delivery model and commercial elements. PME1 will include opportunities to raise questions and comments, and attendees will be encouraged to provide further feedback in a follow-up questionnaire shared afterwards.
The second session (PME2) will present the refined requirements, shaped by feedback from PME1. Feedback will help to finalise technical specification(s) for the contract and request approximate costings from interested suppliers, as well as cover the likely procurement route.
Suppliers are encouraged to attend both sessions, and also to provide feedback through the post-session questionnaires. The first questionnaire will be live until Tuesday 30th September following the PME1 webinar.
Date of commencement
The Preliminary Market Engagement Webinar will take place via MS Teams at 11:00am on Wednesday 17th September. If you are unable to attend the webinar, we will share the content of the meeting, on request after the session. A second webinar session to take place a few weeks following (exact date TBD).
Friday 12th September 5:00 PM GMT cut off for providing notice of interest in attendance.
Aims and objectives of the PME
The primary objective of pre-market engagement is to gather market insight to shape how best to deliver the requirement. This will help the Contracting Authority to:
a) improve and update understanding of market capability, helping to ensure any contract delivers better outcomes from the technology;
b) encourage competition, driving value for money and creating opportunity for a broad range of suppliers;
c) support a fair and compliant procurement
The aims of the two rounds of preliminary market engagement will differ slightly, with different content focuses in each:
Pre-market 1 (Early Autumn 2025) - Engage the market on the programme's potential high-level areas of interest (data products and services), agreement structures, procurement routes, and licensing approaches.
Pre-market 2 (Late Autumn 2025) - Engage the market on the detailed specification, refined following insights from pre-market 1.
How can suppliers express interest?
To give notice of interest in attending preliminary market engagement sessions and related feedback, parties should email Geospatial.EO@dsit.gov.uk, ensuring to include attending individuals' names, roles, and organisation. Suppliers are permitted to nominate up to three individuals from each organisation.
GDS does not guarantee that a procurement will be launched and is not responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by any potential supplier in registering their interest.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
4 May 2026
Contracting authority
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWZ-3216-PVQL
22 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EG
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government