Planning

NSpOC: Sovereign Sensor - Active RF Radar Capability

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

22 May 2026 at 07:35

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

21 May 2026 at 07:51

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is in the planning stage of a public procurement process for a new project titled "NSpOC: Sovereign Sensor - Active RF Radar Capability". This tender, classified under the radar surveillance equipment industry category, aims to enhance the UK's Space Surveillance and Tracking as well as Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The procurement involves developing a high-power space surveillance radar in the Southern Hemisphere for enhanced tracking and detection of space objects. The procurement method adopted is a competitive flexible procedure, with the Selection Questionnaire planned to be released on 21 September 2026. The project is set to begin on 1 June 2027 and is estimated at £25 million, excluding VAT. The primary location for delivery is the UK, and the initiative aligns with the legal framework provided by UK legislation (2023/54).

This procurement process presents unique opportunities for businesses specialising in radar system design, manufacturing, and related software solutions. Companies with expertise in systems integration, testing, commissioning, and post-handover maintenance would be well-suited to partner in this venture. The project encourages participation from SMEs and prioritises suppliers with the technical capability, capacity, and security credentials necessary to deliver a sophisticated radar capability. This presents an excellent growth opportunity for businesses that can contribute to the implementation and integration of national security and space safety systems, expanding their portfolio and reputation in high-tech and government contracting sectors.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

NSpOC: Sovereign Sensor - Active RF Radar Capability

Notice Description

**This notice relates to the same procurement as UKSAC26_0005 and represents an update to that procedure: it is not a procurement for a second radar capability** ** In response to supplier feedback following pre-market engagement conducted in April 2026 as part of UKSAC26_0005, we have made a decision to split the original contract (UKSAC26_0005) into two separate contracts. This contract (UKSAC26_0046) will cover the manufacture of the radar capability (including software capabilities). It will not cover the enabling works associated with the radar, though the appointed supplier will be expected to support installation and to work with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor to ensure successful installation and handover. UKSAC26_0047 will cover the enabling works and installation of the radar.** The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) intends to commence a competitive procurement for a sovereign, high-power (~1 MW class) space surveillance radar in the Southern Hemisphere to enhance the UK's Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability. It is expected that this radar system will operate as a key national asset, providing enhanced detection, tracking and custody of resident space objects, particularly small-size debris and operational satellites in Low Earth Orbit. It will deliver significant improvements to UK resilience, space safety, collision avoidance, re-entry monitoring, fragmentation detection and wider civil-military situational awareness objectives. The procurement will cover all elements of sensor capability delivery, including (but not limited to): * Radar system design, manufacturing and/or acquisition (as necessary); * Provision of associated software capabilities required for operation of the radar system; * Support to installation, systems integration, alignment, testing and commissioning activities, working in conjunction with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor; * Handover into operational service, associated documentation, training, and assurance materials; * Integration with NSpOC's wider operational architectures, tasking frameworks and national space safety processes. * Post-handover maintenance and support. Planned Procurement Timelines: It is DSIT's intention to issue a Selection Questionnaire (SQ) on 21 September 2026. The SQ will be will primarily seek: * Confirmation that suppliers possess the technical capability, capacity and experience required to design, manufacture and deliver a complex radar capability (including associated software) and to work effectively with delivery partners on installation and integration activities; * Confirmation that suppliers have access to staff with appropriate levels of security clearance to work on the project; * High level organisational information required for compliance, policy and national security assurance; * Initial declarations relating to proposed subcontracting arrangements, supply chain dependencies, and any international elements requiring review. Estimated Contract Value and Funding Position: The estimated contract value is currently PS25 million (excluding VAT). This figure is indicative only at this stage and remains subject to: * Internal due diligence; * Confirmation of final scope; * Availability of programme funding; * Required UK Government approvals. DSIT reserves the right to adjust the estimated value as the procurement progresses and as greater clarity on technical scope, delivery model, and site requirements is established. Additional Context: The future radar system is expected to form a core component of the UK's long term sovereign SDA architecture, complementing existing UK and partner sensors, and integrating into NSpOC's operational mission system. The solution must therefore demonstrate resilience, high availability, environmental compliance, cyber security robustness, and suitability for operation within a secure, safety critical environment. A tender notice containing full details of the procedure, tendering stages and evaluation approach will be published following completion of the SQ stage and approval of the procurement strategy. Raytheon Systems Limited are currently undertaking a technical feasibility study to inform the specification of the radar system. The final deliverable from this work will be released to bidders who pass the SQ stage under NDA to ensure an equitable competition. **Please note the value of this procurement is indicative at this stage and subject to change**

Planning Information

DSIT conducted a previous round of pre-market engagement on Friday the 17th of April. Following this, it is our intention to make some changes to this procedure in response to supplier feedback. We would like to invite suppliers to a webinar to outline these updates on Thursday the 16th of July 14:00 - 15:00. We will be outlining a number of changes to the procedure: * Splitting the original contract (UKSAC26_0005) into two separate contracts. This contract (UKSAC26_0046) will cover the manufacture of the radar capability (including software capabilities). It will not cover the enabling works associated with the radar, though the appointed supplier will be expected to support installation and to work with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor to ensure successful installation and handover. UKSAC26_0047 will cover the enabling works and installation of the radar. * We will update on our position in relation to international primes in relation to this tender. It is still DSIT's intention to issue this procurement as a national security exempt procedure, but we have listened to feedback and considered how to better manage the security risks associated with this tender. * We will provide an update on the anticipated location of deployment based on the feasibility study currently underway. * We will provide an update on the anticipated timetable and procedure, which we expect to remain broadly similar to that set out at the previous pre-market engagement event. If you wish to attend the webinar, please email commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. We will offer a limited number of 1:1 engagement slots on the same basis as before following the webinar (these sessions will be minuted and the contents kept confidential to the project team) - we will prioritise these slots for those companies intending to prime the radar equipment tender (not the infrastructure tender, which separate pre-market engagement will be undertaken for). If you wish to request a slot, please specify this when emailing.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069e5c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047486-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38115100 - Radar surveillance equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£25,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Sep 20265 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2027 - 1 Jun 2029 2-3 years
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

Download

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069e5c-2026-05-22T08:35:53+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-22T08:35:53+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069e5c",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVWZ-3216-PVQL",
            "name": "Department for Science, Innovation & Technology",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVWZ-3216-PVQL"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "22 Whitehall",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SW1A 2EG",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PVWZ-3216-PVQL",
        "name": "Department for Science, Innovation & Technology"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "DSIT conducted a previous round of pre-market engagement on Friday the 17th of April. Following this, it is our intention to make some changes to this procedure in response to supplier feedback. We would like to invite suppliers to a webinar to outline these updates on Thursday the 16th of July 14:00 - 15:00. We will be outlining a number of changes to the procedure: * Splitting the original contract (UKSAC26_0005) into two separate contracts. This contract (UKSAC26_0046) will cover the manufacture of the radar capability (including software capabilities). It will not cover the enabling works associated with the radar, though the appointed supplier will be expected to support installation and to work with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor to ensure successful installation and handover. UKSAC26_0047 will cover the enabling works and installation of the radar. * We will update on our position in relation to international primes in relation to this tender. It is still DSIT's intention to issue this procurement as a national security exempt procedure, but we have listened to feedback and considered how to better manage the security risks associated with this tender. * We will provide an update on the anticipated location of deployment based on the feasibility study currently underway. * We will provide an update on the anticipated timetable and procedure, which we expect to remain broadly similar to that set out at the previous pre-market engagement event. If you wish to attend the webinar, please email commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. We will offer a limited number of 1:1 engagement slots on the same basis as before following the webinar (these sessions will be minuted and the contents kept confidential to the project team) - we will prioritise these slots for those companies intending to prime the radar equipment tender (not the infrastructure tender, which separate pre-market engagement will be undertaken for). If you wish to request a slot, please specify this when emailing.",
                "dueDate": "2026-07-17T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "046751-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046751-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-21T08:51:20+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "047486-2026",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047486-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-22T08:35:53+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "UKSAC26_0046",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "NSpOC: Sovereign Sensor - Active RF Radar Capability",
        "description": "**This notice relates to the same procurement as UKSAC26_0005 and represents an update to that procedure: it is not a procurement for a second radar capability** ** In response to supplier feedback following pre-market engagement conducted in April 2026 as part of UKSAC26_0005, we have made a decision to split the original contract (UKSAC26_0005) into two separate contracts. This contract (UKSAC26_0046) will cover the manufacture of the radar capability (including software capabilities). It will not cover the enabling works associated with the radar, though the appointed supplier will be expected to support installation and to work with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor to ensure successful installation and handover. UKSAC26_0047 will cover the enabling works and installation of the radar.** The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) intends to commence a competitive procurement for a sovereign, high-power (~1 MW class) space surveillance radar in the Southern Hemisphere to enhance the UK's Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability. It is expected that this radar system will operate as a key national asset, providing enhanced detection, tracking and custody of resident space objects, particularly small-size debris and operational satellites in Low Earth Orbit. It will deliver significant improvements to UK resilience, space safety, collision avoidance, re-entry monitoring, fragmentation detection and wider civil-military situational awareness objectives. The procurement will cover all elements of sensor capability delivery, including (but not limited to): * Radar system design, manufacturing and/or acquisition (as necessary); * Provision of associated software capabilities required for operation of the radar system; * Support to installation, systems integration, alignment, testing and commissioning activities, working in conjunction with DSIT and the appointed infrastructure contractor; * Handover into operational service, associated documentation, training, and assurance materials; * Integration with NSpOC's wider operational architectures, tasking frameworks and national space safety processes. * Post-handover maintenance and support. Planned Procurement Timelines: It is DSIT's intention to issue a Selection Questionnaire (SQ) on 21 September 2026. The SQ will be will primarily seek: * Confirmation that suppliers possess the technical capability, capacity and experience required to design, manufacture and deliver a complex radar capability (including associated software) and to work effectively with delivery partners on installation and integration activities; * Confirmation that suppliers have access to staff with appropriate levels of security clearance to work on the project; * High level organisational information required for compliance, policy and national security assurance; * Initial declarations relating to proposed subcontracting arrangements, supply chain dependencies, and any international elements requiring review. Estimated Contract Value and Funding Position: The estimated contract value is currently PS25 million (excluding VAT). This figure is indicative only at this stage and remains subject to: * Internal due diligence; * Confirmation of final scope; * Availability of programme funding; * Required UK Government approvals. DSIT reserves the right to adjust the estimated value as the procurement progresses and as greater clarity on technical scope, delivery model, and site requirements is established. Additional Context: The future radar system is expected to form a core component of the UK's long term sovereign SDA architecture, complementing existing UK and partner sensors, and integrating into NSpOC's operational mission system. The solution must therefore demonstrate resilience, high availability, environmental compliance, cyber security robustness, and suitability for operation within a secure, safety critical environment. A tender notice containing full details of the procedure, tendering stages and evaluation approach will be published following completion of the SQ stage and approval of the procurement strategy. Raytheon Systems Limited are currently undertaking a technical feasibility study to inform the specification of the radar system. The final deliverable from this work will be released to bidders who pass the SQ stage under NDA to ensure an equitable competition. **Please note the value of this procurement is indicative at this stage and subject to change**",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "38115100",
                        "description": "Radar surveillance equipment"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 30000000,
            "amount": 25000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-06-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2032-06-01T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planned",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-09-21T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "planned",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure"
    },
    "language": "en"
}