In brief
- About two IOM projects sought to reach TRL 4/5
- Bids close 27 November
- DSIT has 44 contracts worth £295.9 million in GovMarket records
The UK Space Agency is seeking suppliers to run about two in-orbit manufacturing maturation R&D projects, with bids due by 27 November, according to a notice on Find a Tender.
The Contracts for Innovation competition will fund projects to mature in-orbit manufacturing processes and associated payloads to Technology Readiness Level 4/5. Work includes design, prototyping, analysis and testing to reach TRL 4/5 by the final review and to evidence performance.
Bidders must also set out credible routes to a future microgravity demonstration, identify developments needed towards demonstration by 2030, and strengthen the commercial case to inform future UK Space Agency investment and procurement decisions. It is one of two concurrent competitions, alongside Mission Feasibility Studies, Spacecraft Life Extension Service Demonstration. An optional in-person bidder engagement event is included.
GovMarket data shows the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology has 44 public contracts worth £295.9 million in GovMarket records. Previous research and development suppliers for the buyer include the Local Government Chemist Group, with one contract worth £39.5 million, and TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, with two worth £19.6 million.
The procurement is for exempted research and development contracts under the Procurement Act 2023. Tenders close on 27 November.
Key facts
Who this buyer has used for this work
Written from published notices and GovMarket contract records. Totals cover GovMarket records, which start at different dates for each source.
