Award

Supply of hardware as part of The OU spaceflight instrument and planetary science research

OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

30 Jun 2025 at 12:47

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Open University has completed the award stage of a procurement process for the supply of hardware, specifically as part of its spaceflight instrument and planetary science research. The awarded contract involves the procurement of two CHROMA-D 2Kx512 SWIR EM Detectors, suitable for spaceflight applications. This falls under the industry category of 'Detection apparatus'. The procurement process was executed using a limited method, a negotiated procedure without prior publication, due to the absence of competition for technical reasons. The contract is valued at GBP 420,000, with the contract period running from 26th June 2025 to 31st January 2026. The buying organisation, The Open University, is based in Milton Keynes, England.

This tender presents opportunities for businesses involved in the aerospace and advanced detection apparatus sectors, especially those that can offer off-the-shelf space-qualified products without the need for further development or customisation, aligning with the tight timelines of space missions. Large suppliers with expertise in advanced infrared detector technology, such as those currently collaborating with the European Space Agency, would be well-positioned to engage with similar opportunities in future projects. Innovative companies that meet stringent technical specifications required by academia and research institutions can leverage such contracts for business growth.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo
All Features Pricing

Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply of hardware as part of The OU spaceflight instrument and planetary science research

Notice Description

The Open University is procuring specialist hardware from a third party provider. This award notice is regarding phase 2 of the two phases detailed in the VEAT notice 2024/S 000-006505- published in February 2024. Phase 2: Subject to successful outcomes from Phase 1, a subsequent contract for the procurement of flight-quality devices for inclusion on final I-MIM mission instrument. Procurement of two CHROMA-D 2Kx512 SWIR EM Detectors. Negotiated without a prior call for competition. The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason: absence of competition for technical reasons Explanation: Based on the use requirement of the final product, The OU requires a space-qualified combined visible-infrared detector for delivery within the funded timeframe of the project. Due to the time constraints of the project only existing "off the shelf" technology is required, any products still within the development phase or where a custom build would be required, will not be suitable. The combined visible-infrared detector is required for a specific instrument which is for an established space-flight application. The following technical specifications (arising from the existing instrument optical design) are critical requirements: Pixel pitch: 18 um Pixel format: 2k x 1k and stitchable design Spectral range: covering less than 400nm up to 2.5 micron(i.e. UV/visible to IR in one package). The suppliers considered, using publicly available information, in the assessment includes the major detector suppliers that the European Space Agency are currently working with to develop infrared detector technology. Technical data sheets from all current European Space Agency (ESA) infrared detector technology suppliers were reviewed and assessed against the above requirements. The Chroma-D hardware available from Teledyne UK Limited were the only products which met all critical requirements.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f28061a6-5a2f-459e-9b61-25169eab338c
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Negotiated procedure without prior publication (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38431000 - Detection apparatus

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
25 Jun 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
25 Jun 2025 - 31 Jan 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)
Contact Name
Procurement Team
Contact Email
fbs-procurement@open.ac.uk
Contact Phone
01908655814

Buyer Location

Locality
MILTON KEYNES
Postcode
MK7 6AA
Post Town
Milton Keynes
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Milton Keynes
Electoral Ward
Monkston
Westminster Constituency
Milton Keynes Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

TELEDYNE

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97-2025-06-30T13:47:54+01:00",
    "date": "2025-06-30T13:47:54+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97",
    "language": "en",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "OUPA11173",
        "title": "Supply of hardware as part of The OU spaceflight instrument and planetary science research",
        "description": "The Open University is procuring specialist hardware from a third party provider. This award notice is regarding phase 2 of the two phases detailed in the VEAT notice 2024/S 000-006505- published in February 2024. Phase 2: Subject to successful outcomes from Phase 1, a subsequent contract for the procurement of flight-quality devices for inclusion on final I-MIM mission instrument. Procurement of two CHROMA-D 2Kx512 SWIR EM Detectors. Negotiated without a prior call for competition. The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason: absence of competition for technical reasons Explanation: Based on the use requirement of the final product, The OU requires a space-qualified combined visible-infrared detector for delivery within the funded timeframe of the project. Due to the time constraints of the project only existing \"off the shelf\" technology is required, any products still within the development phase or where a custom build would be required, will not be suitable. The combined visible-infrared detector is required for a specific instrument which is for an established space-flight application. The following technical specifications (arising from the existing instrument optical design) are critical requirements: Pixel pitch: 18 um Pixel format: 2k x 1k and stitchable design Spectral range: covering less than 400nm up to 2.5 micron(i.e. UV/visible to IR in one package). The suppliers considered, using publicly available information, in the assessment includes the major detector suppliers that the European Space Agency are currently working with to develop infrared detector technology. Technical data sheets from all current European Space Agency (ESA) infrared detector technology suppliers were reviewed and assessed against the above requirements. The Chroma-D hardware available from Teledyne UK Limited were the only products which met all critical requirements.",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "38431000",
            "description": "Detection apparatus"
        },
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amount": 420000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "limited",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Negotiated procedure without prior publication (above threshold)",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-06-25T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2025-06-26T00:00:00+01:00",
            "endDate": "2026-01-31T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "suitability": {
            "sme": false,
            "vcse": false
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods"
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-SRS-sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/3TQF8m8D",
            "name": "OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)",
                "scheme": "GB-SRS",
                "id": "sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/3TQF8m8D"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "THE OPEN UNIVERSITY",
                "locality": "MILTON KEYNES",
                "postalCode": "MK76AA",
                "countryName": "England"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Procurement Team",
                "email": "FBS-Procurement@open.ac.uk",
                "telephone": "01908655814"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-00432014",
            "name": "TELEDYNE UK LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "TELEDYNE UK LIMITED",
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "00432014"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "106 Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2QU"
            },
            "details": {
                "scale": "large",
                "vcse": false
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-SRS-sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/3TQF8m8D",
        "name": "OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)"
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97-1",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2025-06-25T00:00:00+01:00",
            "datePublished": "2025-06-30T13:47:54+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amount": 420000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-00432014",
                    "name": "TELEDYNE UK LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2025-06-26T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2026-01-31T23:59:59Z"
            },
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "description": "Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder",
                    "url": "https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f28061a6-5a2f-459e-9b61-25169eab338c",
                    "datePublished": "2025-06-30T13:47:54+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html",
                    "language": "en"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}