Award

Research to Operations (R2O2R) - University of Aberystwyth

MET OFFICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Jan 2026 at 11:55

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, titled "Research to Operations (R2O2R) - University of Aberystwyth," was managed by the Met Office, a central government public authority based in Exeter, UK. This contract falls under the industry category of research and experimental development services, specifically related to solar wind boundary models and geomagnetic storm prediction. The procurement was executed using a direct method without competition, as it was below threshold regulations. The contract was awarded to Prifysgol Aberystwyth University and became active on 27 January 2026, with a completion date set for 31 March 2026. The services will be delivered within the UK, aligning with the strategic location of both Exeter and Aberystwyth.

This tender represents an opportunity for businesses involved in research and development services to engage in significant projects impacting various sectors like power grids. It is particularly well-suited for large educational institutions or organisations with expertise in geomagnetic research and solar wind modelling. The partnership highlights the potential to transfer specialised knowledge and operational expertise, paving the way for long-term collaborations and advancements in the field. Such contracts facilitate growth by reinforcing institutional capabilities and offering businesses a platform to demonstrate their expertise, thereby enhancing their profile and potential future opportunities with government bodies like the Met Office.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Research to Operations (R2O2R) - University of Aberystwyth

Notice Description

The partner, University of Aberystwyth, participated in the S4 projects in the SWIMMR Programme (2019-2025). The university of Aberystwyth developed the CORTOM solar wind boundary model, feeding into the solar wind ensemble aimed at quantifying the uncertainties in CME arrival times, which can lead to large geomagnetic storms impacting a range of sectors (e.g. power grids, The University of Aberystwyth also developed the ACME automated CME detection tool as part of the same system. The models will continue to be developed as required, for transition to operation and will be effectively supported by the University of Aberystwyth. - 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 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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060f88
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007040-2026
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
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£44,500 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Jan 20264 weeks ago
Contract Period
27 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

PRIFYSGOL ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

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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