This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

30 Jun 2026 at 09:31

Planning

16 Mar 2026 at 13:56

Planning

27 Feb 2026 at 13:01

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is inviting tender submissions for Project NOCTIS-2, an initiative led by the National Armaments Director Group (NADG) in partnership with UK Space Command, aimed at enhancing the UK's Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. The focus of NOCTIS-2 is on the procurement, installation, and lifetime support of ground-based space surveillance sensors, offering opportunities in sectors related to defence security and satellite technologies. The project, valued at up to £21 million gross, is set within the goods category and is being pursued through a Competitive Flexible Procedure, following the UK Procurement Act 2023. Expressions of interest are due by 3rd August 2026, with the final award expected on 1st April 2027, aligning with the strategic objectives of the Defence Space Strategy (DSS) to foster governmental and international collaboration on innovative space technologies. Interested parties must be UK registered entities due to security considerations, with the initial phase marked by an Industry Day held on 27th March 2026 in Bristol.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in satellite technology, sensor design, and data processing, particularly those capable of delivering integrated solutions for space surveillance. It is ideally suited for companies with established expertise in electronics, technical control, and maintenance services. SMEs are encouraged to participate, especially those with the potential to contribute to the UK's sovereign SDA capabilities through innovative hardware and software solutions. With the potential for extensions beyond the initial three-year contract duration, businesses stand to gain valuable, long-term collaborative prospects with the MOD, supporting both national defence initiatives and technological advancements in space operations.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

NOCTIS-2

Notice Description

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the National Armaments Director Group (NADG) (previously known as Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)) has published a UK 1 Notice & UK2 purely for information purposes. The Authority would now like to formally engage with industry via this UK4 Notice, through the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) which can be found here: https://contracts.mod.uk/go/56376600019F17DB668E The NADG and UK Space Command (UK Sp Cmd) have initiated Project NOCTIS 2 to explore options for enhancing the UK's Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability in response to increasing activity and congestion in the space domain. The project aims to strengthen the UK's ability to understand the space environment and support effective space operations. It will contribute to the provision of timely awareness of orbital activity to authorised UK Space Command users and support informed decision making. The project aligns with the Defence Space Strategy (DSS), which commits the UK to increasing cross governmental and international collaboration on new technologies and innovative approaches to space capability development. The project is expected to follow a phased acquisition approach, potentially including: * Equipment design and construction * Sensor installation * Operation and through life support Requirement Due to security considerations, participation is limited to organisations with a registered UK legal entity. Parent companies headquartered outside the UK may participate subject to agreement by the Authority, with all activity conducted through the UK registered entity. The project requires that all data processing and storage, where not performed on site, is conducted within the United Kingdom. The project scope includes the potential procurement, installation and through life support of ground based space surveillance sensors, including optical systems and associated infrastructure. NOCTIS-2 will focus on enhancing overall system capabilities, addressing a broad range of operational areas, and supporting ongoing research and development activities.. Sensors and their associated housing or infrastructure are expected to be procured as an integrated solution under this contract. The Cyber Risk Profile for this procurement identified by the Cyber Risk Assessment is Level 2. As part of the Preliminary Market Engagement, the Authority held an Industry Day on the 27th of March 2026 to inform industry of the NOCTIS-2 requirements. The presentation slides are at Annex A of the PSQ released on DSP. The anticipated NOCTIS-2 contract shall be three (3) years from 2027 to 2030, plus options (1+1) (subject to approvals) from Contract Award (CA). The final confirmed duration including any Contractual Option(s), and/ or break points will be provided in the ITT documentation.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. Any resulting Contract will include the following Contract Options to procure and provide In Service Support for additional years. Additional In Service Support Additional In Service Support The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option(s) listed. Further information on the option(s) will be provided in the Tender. The Authority reserves the right to procure and support additional systems while the contract is valid, in addition to the options stated above.

Renewal: Additional In Service Support

Planning Information

The Authority would like to notify you of a potential upcoming procurement, and by doing so is keen to understand the market. The Authority is initially interested in getting responses to a series of questions within a seperate document referenced 'RFI'. The RFI has been published on DSP, and can be found here: https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=60844 Following the release of the RFI, the Authority shall formally engage with Industry via a TEAMS Industry Day, please find further details contained in the RFI. An Industry Day will be taking place on TEAMS on the 27th March 2026. At this event the Authority will provide additional details of the project including (but not limited to) further information of the site, roadmaps and commercial strategy with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. We encourage organisations to provide questions and comments before and after the industry day (via email) to help us ensure the requirements set in the competition are clearly understood, appropriate and achievable. If your organisation would like to attend, please email the contact detailed in this notice and provide email address, full name, organisation name and telephone number (being used to dial in) by the 24th March 2026. The event shall be held at OFFICIAL. Your registration will only be confirmed once checks have been completed. This procurement shall be considered for competitive tender via the Space Technology Solutions Dynamic Market (RM6370), should you be interested in this procurement - please register to the Dynamic Market to ensure timely access to any potential subsequent procurement stages. Further notices relating to the requirement will be published on the Find a Tender Service in due course. Link to The Space Technology Solutions Dynamic Market: https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dm/RM6370?nav=0

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065e45
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061085-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

50 - Repair and maintenance services

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

34712200 - Satellites

38121000 - Anemometers

50324200 - Preventive maintenance services

71356100 - Technical control services

71356300 - Technical support services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£16,800,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£16,800,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
17 Jul 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
30 Apr 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 1 Apr 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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