Planning

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

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 May 2026 at 08:05

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
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, as the contracting authority, is in the planning phase of a procurement process concerning the "Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development" project. The process is initiated by the UK Space Agency to enhance timing resilience through a service independent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Located in London, the procurement falls under the services category and is aimed at central government requirements within the United Kingdom. An engagement webinar was held on 15th May 2026 to provide information about the tender with further details available upon request. The formal stage of this procurement is intended to begin with an Invitation to Tender (ITT) being issued on 26th May 2026, culminating in awarding contracts by early 2027.

This tender presents substantial prospects for businesses operating in the fields of space systems, satellite technologies, and timing synchronisation research and development. There is a particular opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to the favourable procurement conditions. The procurement method is open, encouraging a diverse range of proposals, capped at £400,000 excluding VAT per contract, within the broader £1.68 million budget. Engaging in this project can lead to strategic growth, particularly for firms with the capacity to propose innovative solutions that extend beyond traditional GNSS capabilities, potentially impacting future phases of development and increasing their market footprint.

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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. *UPDATE* UKSA hosted a webinar relating to this opportunity on the 15th of May. Copies of the slides from the webinar are available on request by emailing commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk

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/045615-2026
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
19 May 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
21 Sep 20265 months to go
Future Notice Date
26 May 20265 days 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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