Planning

Preliminary Market Engagement Opportunity: Space Re-entry Regulatory Sandbox

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

15 Apr 2026 at 10:39

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

14 Apr 2026 at 11:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

14 Apr 2026 at 11:53

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

14 Apr 2026 at 11:39

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is initiating a procurement process for a "Space Re-entry Regulatory Sandbox" aimed at developing regulatory tools in high-growth and complex mission types. This tender is categorised under research and development services and focuses on the United Kingdom. Currently in the planning stage, the department will host a webinar for preliminary market engagement on 23rd April 2026 to introduce the proposed scope and gather feedback, with competitive procedures anticipated this summer. Interested parties are encouraged to request webinar joining details via email. Significant updates include investment intentions of up to £7 million and scheduling adjustments for the procurement process with a contract period commencing on 1st July 2026.

This procurement opportunity presents significant growth prospects for businesses specialising in innovative research and development consultancy services within the space sector. As the tender involves an above-threshold procurement method, it provides substantial funding that could benefit businesses equipped to lead complex regulatory challenges. Enterprises that focus on space re-entry activities and small to medium-sized enterprises intending to compete are particularly suited for this engagement. The Governing Space Delivery group seeks collaboration with entities capable of contributing to cutting-edge developments in space regulation, thereby fostering progression and competitive advantage within the industry.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Preliminary Market Engagement Opportunity: Space Re-entry Regulatory Sandbox

Notice Description

Following the successful delivery of the Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) regulatory sandbox, the Government intends to invest up to PS7 million in further regulatory sandboxes and innovative regulatory tools, focusing on high-growth areas and complex mission types. As part of this programme, we are intending to develop a regulatory sandbox focused on re-entry activities in financial year 2026/27.

Planning Information

DSIT will be holding a webinar as part of its Governing Space Delivery group on Thursday the 23rd of April between 10:00 and 11:00 BST to provide an opportunity for early engagement, including presenting the proposed scope and an opportunity to feedback on this. Please note engagement with this opportunity is for information only and is not required in order to participate in any future competitive procedure. Any future delivery of the re-entry sandbox will be subject to competitive procedure, which we anticipate will take place this summer. Dates provided within this notice are indicative only at this stage. To join the webinar, please email commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk to request joining details. Please note this session will not be recorded.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0681e3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034111-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

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
£416,667 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2EG
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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