This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

05 Aug 2026 at 10:12

TenderUpdate

03 Jun 2026 at 07:11

Tender

28 May 2026 at 11:56

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Kent has successfully concluded the procurement process for a "High Speed Camera System" as part of its PROSPER project. This project is aimed at addressing the growing issue of space debris. The Impact facility at Canterbury has been operational for over 30 years and focuses on laboratory-based simulations of hypervelocity impact events concerning spacecraft and planetary science. The tender, identified as CB25_012, followed an open procurement method and was completed with a contract awarded on 3rd August 2026 to Specialised Imaging Limited. The contract, valued at £222,415 excluding VAT, is set to run from 24th August 2026 to 23rd August 2027. The procurement was brought to fruition through the awarding of the European Research Council Consolidator Grant, emphasising the advancement of capabilities in understanding space debris and its implications. This process was overseen by Claire Baxter, within the Canterbury region of the United Kingdom (UKJ44), and carried out in compliance with the UK legal framework 2023/54.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in high-speed imaging technology, particularly those experienced in providing solutions to aerospace or scientific facilities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with capabilities in the production and development of high-speed camera systems are highly positioned to benefit, especially those adept in technological innovation addressing scientific challenges. The open procurement procedure ensured a competitive environment, suitable for businesses aiming to leverage technical excellence, with an 80% emphasis on technical quality over the 20% commercial price factor. Businesses seeking to engage with organisations like the University of Kent, who are heavily involved in cutting-edge scientific research and are recipients of European funding, may find this sector offers extensive collaboration and growth prospects.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

High Speed Camera System

Notice Description

UK6: Contract award notice The Impact facility at the University of Kent is looking to procure a high-speed camera system for attachment onto a two-stage light gas gun as part of its new ERC funded project. The Impact Facility has been operating for over 30 years, focusing on the laboratory-based simulation of hypervelocity impact events relevant to spacecraft and planetary science. The Impact Group regularly presents results at national and international conferences and publishes across a range of science and technology focused journals. The funding acquired for this equipment is a European Research Council Consolidator Grant. The PROSPER project focuses on the growing issue of space debris, which poses a threat to orbiting satellites and continued safe access to space. The specific goals being addressed by the Impact Group will be: *Developing advanced detectors to better understand small debris *Studying how debris shape affects the damage it inflicts on spacecraft and ejecta that is created *Examining the potential side effects deorbiting satellites could bring when they re-enter the atmosphere

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a792
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074064-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

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


CPV Codes

34971000 - Speed camera equipment

38651000 - Cameras

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£272,500 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£272,500 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£222,415 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
29 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Aug 20263 days ago
Contract Period
23 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Additional Buyers

UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CANTERBURY, KENT
Postcode
CT2 7NZ
Post Town
Canterbury
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ44 East Kent
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Canterbury
Electoral Ward
Blean Forest
Westminster Constituency
Canterbury

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SPECIALISED IMAGING

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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