Planning

Request for Information (RFI): Provision of Historical Space Object Data Sets

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

26 Jan 2026 at 18:01

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence has initiated a procurement process in the planning stage, titled "Request for Information (RFI): Provision of Historical Space Object Data Sets." This engagement focuses on data services, classified under CPV code 72300000, and is located in the South East region of the United Kingdom, with delivery addresses pointing to Fareham, Hampshire. The procurement is in support of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) and aims to enhance Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The key date to note is the engagement end date, set for 2nd March 2026.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, particularly for enterprises involved in space data services. It is especially suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) due to its focus on market engagement. Businesses with capabilities in space technology, machine learning, and data analytics for space object tracking and characterisation would be well-positioned to compete and contribute to the development of future defence capabilities in the UK. This early engagement provides an avenue for companies to influence future procurement decisions by demonstrating their market capabilities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Request for Information (RFI): Provision of Historical Space Object Data Sets

Notice Description

The National Space Strategy and the Defence Space Strategy laid out the ambitious vision of the UK, in the space domain. They provided a clear strategic direction aimed at delivering improved Space Domain Awareness (SDA). In May 2024 the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) was launched, led by UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency in partnership with the Met Office. The NSpOC will combine and coordinate civil and military Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, to enable UK space operations and protect our interests in space and on Earth from space related threats, risks, and hazards, as per the xGov SDA Requirements Publication. In support of the NSpOC, UK Space Command and Dstl are currently seeking information from the space industry sector on the availability of historic Space Domain Awareness Data. This information will help us better understand current market capabilities to become a more intelligent customer; help inform decision making on future Defence Capability needs and support the development of Machine Learning techniques for space object characterisation and tracking of cislunar objects. Please see the attached RFI for full details, and the RFI Templates for submission of the information. Thank you for your time and interest

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-25336293-c22a-4aa3-9423-59b1d90fc926
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/1d379787-823c-41a0-9caa-d0d8c1f8bc03
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72300000 - Data services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Jan 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Mar 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
UK Space Command
Contact Email
ukspacecmd-cap-panoptesgmb@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
HAMPSHIRE
Postcode
PO17 6AD
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ36 Central Hampshire
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)
Local Authority
Winchester
Electoral Ward
Southwick and Wickham
Westminster Constituency
Fareham and Waterlooville

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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. 

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