NSpOC SDA Sensors: Optical Delivery Partner
A Tender Notice
by UK SPACE AGENCY
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Contract (Goods)
- Duration
- 31 month
- Value
- £6M
- Sector
- TECHNOLOGY
- Published
- 28 Apr 2025
- Delivery
- 01 Sep 2025 to 31 Mar 2028
- Deadline
- 20 Jun 2025 11:00
Related Terms
Location
United Kingdom:
1 buyer
- UK Space Agency Didcot
Description
This notice relates to the following notice for NSpOC upcoming requirements, which was published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/6550b759-b799-4cc3-a053-5adfd1... 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.
Renewal Options
UKSA reserves the right to execute up to two optional extensions should any known risks materialise during the life of the contract.
Award Criteria
| 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. As a minimum, responses should include a timetable for delivery, a Gantt Chart and information about the proposed approach. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 including core components and interfaces * Details of any Quality Assurance performed on components * Complete spot diagrams of optics (preferably across multiple wavelengths and off-axis locations) * QE curves for the selected detectors across the visible wavelengths and if available optical system throughput as a function of wavelength * Details of the selected filters that are suitable for characterisation * Example Test and Acceptance Plan to demonstrate dome will meet requirements |
| 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. |
| 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 provide opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs. |
CPV Codes
- 30210000 - Data-processing machines (hardware)
- 30230000 - Computer-related equipment
- 35125100 - Sensors
Indicators
- Renewals are available.
Other Information
** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** This notice was edited to include reference to a previous notice placed on Contracts Finder for pre-market engagement purposes prior to the implementation of Procurement Act 2023
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-05080e
- FTS 017201-2025