Award

UKRI-5782 Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery System

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

21 Apr 2026 at 13:16

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

21 Apr 2026 at 13:07

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), a central government authority based in Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. The contract number UKRI-5782 titled "Low Cost Low Velocity Aerial Delivery System" pertains to the goods category, specifically parachutes, intended for use in Antarctica. The procurement was made using a direct award method due to technical reasons, with Niche Inc being the supplier. The contract was awarded on 21 April 2026, and the contract period is set from 5 May 2026 to 31 December 2026, with potential extensions until 30 April 2027. A milestone for the future signature date is scheduled for 4 May 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in aerial delivery systems, providing an entry into government contracts and operations in challenging environments like Antarctica. While the procurement process was direct due to the unique technical requirements, it indicates that businesses with expertise in specialised goods have potential openings in similar public sector needs. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or voluntary community social enterprises (VCSEs) with technical proficiency might find similar opportunities available, especially in procurement processes specifying needs for niche or specialised goods.

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Notice Information

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 is absent for technical reasoning, this is the only supplier that can meet UKRIs requirements.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06876f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036136-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award 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
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Apr 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Apr 20263 days ago
Contract Period
4 May 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

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)

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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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