Award

UKRI-5557 ISAR Software Development

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

27 Feb 2026 at 13:39

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

15 Dec 2025 at 13:45

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), based in Swindon, Wiltshire, has concluded the procurement process for the "UKRI-5557 ISAR Software Development" project. This contract, awarded on 27th February 2026, focuses on developing software for inverse synthetic aperture radar systems to image satellites in low Earth orbit. Designated as a service category under software programming and consultancy (CPV 72200000), this process was executed through a direct award method. The contract is set to commence on 13th March 2026, with completion slated for 31st October 2026. The total gross contract value is £202,471.20, and the standstill period ends on 10th March 2026, allowing time for final preparations. The University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd, a large-scale supplier located in Birmingham, has been selected to deliver the required services as part of lot 1.

This procurement initiative presents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for firms specialising in radar software optimisation and algorithm development. The tender specifically sought capabilities to enhance processing algorithms for existing imaging radars, making it an attractive proposition for tech companies experienced in software development and consultancy within the aerospace and satellite imaging sectors. While the direct award process indicates a non-competitive selection, businesses adept in similar technological advancements could find future opportunities with UKRI or related governmental contracts. Additionally, with a focus on technical innovation, the project provides a platform for large-scale companies as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) active in cutting-edge radar system engineering.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5557 ISAR Software Development

Notice Description

nverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) for imaging of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Procurement Information

The services required are to develop and optimise the processing algorithms for our radar. This requires working with existing imaging radars and development of the processing algorithms of our radar systems.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f5be
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017928-2026
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
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£168,726 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
15 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
13 Mar 2026 - 31 Oct 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
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM ENTERPRISE

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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