Tender

Iridium Satellite Modem Supply

MET OFFICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

17 Feb 2025 at 14:22

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Met Office is currently in the Tender stage of the procurement process, seeking suppliers for the "Iridium Satellite Modem Supply" project. This procurement focuses on satellite-related communications equipment, specifically prioritising low-power usage designs suitable for marine weather observation. The estimated contract value is £180,000, and the procurement method is an open procedure. Interested suppliers must submit their tenders by 31st March 2025, with the contract period commencing on 2nd June 2025 and concluding on 1st June 2029. The procurement will cover delivery to the United Kingdom.

This tender presents a significant business growth opportunity for firms specialising in satellite communication equipment, particularly those with low-power solutions suitable for marine and remote environments. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, given the suitability for such companies outlined in the tender. Suppliers experienced in providing Integrated Iridium Modems and capable of delivering both interim and advanced solutions will find this contract particularly advantageous. The framework agreement with one supplier will streamline communication and data transmission processes for the Met Office's extensive observation network, offering sustained business engagement over a four-year period.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Iridium Satellite Modem Supply

Notice Description

The Met Office operates a marine weather observation network consisting of 10 offshore buoys, 5 lightvessels (LV) and 60 Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS). Observation data is transmitted globally over satellite back to the Met Office for weather prediction modelling and climate records. Reliable global/offshore communication is essential for the network to operate. Observation data is currently transmitted over the Iridium SBD network using Iridium 9522b modems, with maximum message sizes of 395 bytes for buoy use and 40-80 bytes for Light Vessel and Voluntary Observation Ship use. These platforms operate on solar/battery power arrangements, all proposed solutions should feature low power usage by design to accommodate the limited power supply arrangements available. Met Office intend to issue a framework agreement with one supplier of Integrated Iridium Modems for the following use cases: * SBD based direct replacement for obsolete Iridium 9522b modems (interim solution) * Certus 100/IMT based solutions for increased observation throughput and remote station access

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/de6f2044-f940-4f38-af3a-79940791faad
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

CPV Codes

32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment

32552410 - Modems

34930000 - Marine equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£180,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Feb 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
31 Mar 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jun 2025 - 1 Jun 2029 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MET OFFICE
Contact Name
Alison Browning
Contact Email
alison.browning@metoffice.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX1 3PB
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Pinhoe
Westminster Constituency
Exmouth and Exeter East

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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