Planning

Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

06 May 2026 at 12:32

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

01 May 2026 at 09:09

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, located in London, UK, is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for the Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development project. The initiative aims to develop independent timing solutions, distinct from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), to enhance resilience and provide backup timing, particularly for UK overseas territories. A webinar for prospective vendors is scheduled for 15 May 2026, serving as an early engagement opportunity ahead of the anticipated launch of the tender on 26 May 2026. The competitive procedure intends to procure concept studies, with contracts anticipated for award by early 2027. This initiative falls under the 'services' industry category and encourages participation from relevant stakeholders.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses focusing on space systems, satellite technologies, and related R&D fields. Particularly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand to benefit, as these concept studies are designed to foster innovative technical and commercial approaches to GNSS-independent timing solutions. The UK Space Agency seeks multiple suppliers to undertake these feasibility studies, with the potential for further development and commercial applications based on study outcomes. By participating, companies can enhance their expertise, potentially influencing future procurement decisions and securing a place in an emerging market essential to national infrastructure resilience.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development

Notice Description

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) intends to commence a competitive procurement for the delivery of concept studies to explore potential technical and commercial approaches for the provision of a space-based time transfer capability that is independent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The requirement is part of the Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development Programme to develop, validate, and assess technology concepts that could fulfil an unmet government requirement for GNSS-independent global timing, provide UK overseas territories with backup timing solutions, and provide the UK mainland with an additional layer of timing resilience. The procurement will seek to appoint multiple suppliers to undertake time-limited proof-of-concept studies, to examine the viability of different space-enabled architectures and services to meet the aims of the Space BaTTS R&D Programme. Each study will assess technical performance, operational suitability, delivery risk and indicative costs, and will provide evidence to inform future investment decisions. The outputs will be used to develop a clearer understanding of the solution space and reduce uncertainty, informing any subsequent phases of work which could be undertaken. Please see Planned Procurement Notice for full details of the forthcoming requirement: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040336-2026

Planning Information

The UK Space Agency will be holding a Concept Studies for Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Webinar for interested suppliers on Friday the 15th of May, between 15:00 and 16:00 BST, to provide an opportunity for early engagement. This will include a presentation about the upcoming tender, some examples of what a solution could look like, and a Q&A session. Please note engagement with this opportunity is for information only and is not required in order to participate in any future competitive procedure. 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-069001
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041513-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79314000 - Feasibility study

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,680,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,680,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
21 Sep 20265 months to go
Future Notice Date
26 May 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Jan 2027 - 6 Sep 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
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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