Award

Newquay SORA

CORNWALL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Dec 2025 at 14:21

Summary of the contracting process

This procurement process involves Cornwall Council as the buying organisation, undertaking an "Newquay SORA" project focused on a feasibility study for drone trials at Cornwall Airport Newquay. Classified under the industry category for research and development services, this contract targets the expansion of drone capabilities at the airport, as well as Predannack Airfield or related airspace. The procurement stage is complete, with the award having been made on 23rd October 2025 and the contract running from 24th October 2025 to 31st March 2026. The procurement method selected was direct, with a contract value of £60,000 GBP, below the competition threshold. The location of the procurement is set within the United Kingdom, specifically aiming to grow the test and evaluation sector within Cornwall.

This tender presents promising opportunities for businesses involved in research and development sector, particularly those specialising in drone, counter drone and related technologies. Companies that provide consultancy services in this field will find this procurement advantageous given its focus on expanding test and evaluation capabilities. WholeShip Limited has been the supplier awarded, indicating potential synergies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate in similar projects, enhancing their footprint in innovative airspace technologies. This initiative supports business growth through the development of faster, more complex systems suitable for Cornwall's aerial innovation landscape.

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Notice Title

Newquay SORA

Notice Description

A feasibility study that looks to extend the geographical footprint of the test and evaluation capability within Cornwall to include the development of Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) to conduct drone trials at Cornwall Airport Newquay. This project supports the Airport's growth ambitions related to drone, counter drone & associated technologies and enable the National Drone Hub to expand its offer to enable test and evaluation of faster, more complex systems which could be suited to Newquay as well as Predannack Airfield and / or associated airspace.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ed0b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078967-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
Not specified
Contracts Value
£50,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
22 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
23 Oct 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CORNWALL COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
amy.thurtle@cornwall.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
TRURO
Postcode
TR1 3AY
Post Town
Truro
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK3 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK30 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Cornwall
Electoral Ward
Truro Boscawen & Redannick
Westminster Constituency
Truro and Falmouth

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

WHOLESHIP

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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