Award

Space Weather R2O2R

MET OFFICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

07 Aug 2025 at 13:11

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

09 Jul 2025 at 14:26

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, led by the Met Office, involved a direct award for the "Space Weather R2O2R" contract within the research and development services industry category. This contract was specifically aligned with the British Geological Survey (BGS), a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), as the unique supplier due to proprietary rights and technical expertise required for the contract deliverables related to space weather models. The tender, identified by ID DN779859, is situated in Exeter, UK, with the given project focusing on resilience and operational transitioning of geomagnetic models. The procurement was in the award stage, with the award notice published on 7 August 2025, marking a contract period from 20 August 2025 to 31 March 2026.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in research and development, particularly those skilled in geomagnetic modeling and space weather implications. Given the technical specificity required, large entities with capabilities in developing integrated nowcast and forecasting systems and who can offer expertise in knowledge transfer would be well-suited to compete for similar opportunities. This procurement not only fosters the advancement of complex scientific models but also ensures the continuity of expertise and operational support, creating a platform for technology-driven business growth within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Space Weather R2O2R

Notice Description

The partner, British Geological Society or 'BGS' led the 'SAGE' (ground effects) project in the SWIMMR Programme (2019-2024). BGS developed the SPIDER model - an integrated nowcast and forecasting system for the modelled effects from Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC) in the Great Britain high voltage power network, pipeline and railways in near-real-time. We have worked with the partner, to agree aims and objectives for delivery of 'R2O2R' and in collaboration we have agreed overarching principles for the contract. These are - The models will continue to be developed as required, for transition to operation and will be effectively supported by BGS; - The collaboration between MO and the partner institution will aim to ensure the best possible resilience for the models over the long term (by seeking to retain expert support during transition to operations); - Partner expertise and knowledge will effectively be transferred to MO in order to secure the transfer of the models into operation; - The boundaries and mechanisms for of any ongoing collaborative relationship (beyond the contract period) with the partner will be defined and any principles agreed; - The contract deliverables will ensure that the balance of knowledge and expertise to run, support and interpret the models and their outputs, and reliance on expertise will shift away from the partners and towards the MO for transition to operation; - The collaboration will take a risk-based approach to ensuring the models and model outputs are able to transition to operation.

Procurement Information

Competition is absent for technical reasons and proprietary rights: The deliverables within the contract are associated with a model and code already developed and owned by the partner, (supplier) to a specific maturity under the SWIMMR Programme. The academics hold the model code IPR and provide model access to Met Office and therefore are uniquely placed to provide these services to the Met Office. Delivery will 'accelerate' the model's development towards transition to operations within the Met Office Space Weather service. The purpose of the contract is to continue development of the models (which requires the 'deep expertise' of the model developer) and to transfer model and model code knowledge and expertise. In short, there is no other supplier for the work associated with the model. Therefore, to undertake this, work the Met Office requires the code and expertise solely located at BGS.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055c39
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046946-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£157,872 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Jul 20257 months ago
Contract Period
19 Aug 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MET OFFICE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement.enquiries@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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (BGS) A COMPONENT OF UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (UKRI

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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