UKRI-5782 Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery System

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

12 May 2026 at 19:49

Award

21 Apr 2026 at 13:16

Award

21 Apr 2026 at 13:07

Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), a central government public authority, has awarded a contract for the supply of Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery Systems, intended for use in Antarctica. The procurement process involved a direct award due to technical reasons, with Niche Inc, a large-scale supplier based in the United States, being the only capable provider. The contract, identified as UKRI-5782, was signed on 5th May 2026, and runs through until 31st October 2026, with the possibility of extension up to 31st December 2026 to accommodate potential delays. The goods fall under the CPV classification of parachutes, with delivery addresses in the United Kingdom.

This tender represents a strategic opportunity for businesses specialising in advanced manufacturing and technical solutions within the aerospace and defence sectors, particularly those capable of innovating in challenging environments like Antarctica. The procurement highlights potential for growth and collaboration for UK and international firms that can meet niche requirements, such as those involving specialised aerial delivery systems. While the direct award nature limits competition in this instance, similar future contracts could provide avenues for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to engage through innovation driven by specific technical capabilities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

UKRI-5782 Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery System

Notice Description

The purpose of this contract is for the supply of Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery Systems for use in Antarctica. This is awarded in line with Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.

Procurement Information

Competition absent on grounds of technical reasoning. No other supplier able to meet requirements of the contract.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06876f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043675-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products


CPV Codes

39523000 - Parachutes

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£453,750 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£453,750 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Apr 20262 months ago
Contract Period
5 May 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

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

NICHE

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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