Tender

Solent Freeport: Feasibility Study into Space Focused Infrastructure

PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

04 Mar 2026 at 17:33

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Solent Freeport project, commissioned by Portsmouth City Council, seeks a comprehensive feasibility study into establishing space-focused infrastructure in the Solent region. Under this active tender stage, the city council is the accountable body and is inviting suitably qualified organisations to conduct this strategic research, which is essential for future investments and partnerships. Key milestones in the procurement process include the availability of documents on 4th March 2026, with submissions due by 25th March 2026, and the award decision forthcoming by 3rd April 2026. The selected contractor will begin work on 8th April 2026, aiming to complete the final report by the end of July. This opportunity falls under the public authority sub-central government classification, emphasising consultancy services related to technical, business, and project management in the UKJ31 region.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for business growth, particularly for consultancy providers in technical analysis, business and project management, and R&D services. With a contract value of £125,000, businesses equipped to offer strategic analyses, market assessments, and feasibility evaluations will find themselves well-suited to compete. The procurement method involves an open competition, welcoming bids from organisations regardless of their size, including small and medium enterprises. Companies adept in delivering evidence-based strategic studies will thrive, as they can directly impact regional development and potential investments by informing key decision-making processes. This contract presents an excellent platform for businesses aiming to expand their consultancy footprint within the burgeoning space sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Solent Freeport: Feasibility Study into Space Focused Infrastructure

Notice Description

Portsmouth City Council on behalf of the Solent Freeport, as its accountable body is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced organisation to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study exploring the potential need, viability, optimal operating model, and most suitable location for space focused infrastructure. This should include but not be limited to a Centre of Excellence for Electric Propulsion, Satellite Manufacturing or Satellite Communications in the Solent region. The outcomes of this study will inform future decision making, investment planning, and partnership development within the region. The appointed supplier will be required to deliver an evidence based feasibility study to determine: * Whether there is sufficient demand and strategic value to establish a Centre of Excellence in the Solent * What such a centre would need to comprise (size, capabilities, testing facilities, specialisms, and infrastructure) * The most viable and sustainable operating model * Suggestions for the facility's location The successful supplier will be required to deliver a robust, evidence based study that addresses the following: 1. Gap Analysis (Supply-side Assessment) 2. Needs Assessment (Demand-side Assessment) 3. Market and Competitor Analysis (Strategic Positioning) 4. Concept for the Proposed Centre 5. Location Assessment 6. Operating Model Options 7. Economic Impact and Investment Potential It is the intention that the procurement will adhere to the below timetable: 1. Documents available on In-tend - 4th March 2026 2. Deadline for requests for clarification - 14th March 5pm 2026 3. Quotation return deadline - 25th March 5pm 2026 4. Award decision notified to bidders & contract award - 3rd April 2026 5. Start of contract - 8th April 2026 The supplier will be expected to: 1. Attend an inception meeting - 8th April 2026 2. Provide a detailed project plan - 15th April 2026 3. Draft Feasibility Study Report - 26th June 2026 4. Produce Final Feasibility Study Report, incorporating feedback - 31st July 2026 5. Produce Executive Summary suitable for publication - 31st July 2026

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Tenderers are to provide hourly rates for relevant consultant levels which have been used to build up aspects of the initial commission and are to be subsequently applied to any extensions agreed to the initial commission post award.

Renewal: The contract will be awarded for an initial term of four months thereafter the council will have the option to extend the term by a rolling monthly basis up to a maximum of two months. Any period(s) of extension will be at the council's sole discretion.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06628d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services

72221000 - Business analysis consultancy services

72224000 - Project management consultancy services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

79411000 - General management consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
25 Mar 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Apr 2026 - 31 Jul 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO1 2AL
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Charles Dickens
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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