SAIRA-A Aviation Host Support

Notice Information

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Notice Title

SAIRA-A Aviation Host Support

Notice Description

The project is for Virgin Atlantic to continue to fly radiation monitors (known as SAIRA) developed by the University of Surrey under the Space Weather Innovation, Measurement, Monitoring and Risk (SWIMMR) programme. At present Virgin Atlantic are under contract to STFC to fly two monitors onboard aircraft. As this contract and the SWIMMR programme has come to an end Met Office will take over management of the contract from STFC. For the best result these radiation monitors need to be flown as continuously as possible to capture increases in atmospheric radiation due to solar events, ideally across high latitude, high altitude routes as this is where the radiation effects are most acutely felt. This means that long haul carriers are preferred, in the UK this is Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. We are also intending to set up an agreement with British Airways. Current data collected during flights has proved invaluable in validating new radiation models being developed for use by the Met Office (also under SWIMMR).

Notice Details

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Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-06b533
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056280-2026
Current Stage: Award
All Stages: Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type: UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type: Standard
Procurement Category: Services
Procurement Method: Direct
Procurement Method Details: Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability: Not specified
Awardee Scale: Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions: 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
CPV Codes: 73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value: Not specified
Lots Value: Not specified
Awards Value: Not specified
Contracts Value: £13,327 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 15 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline: Not specified
Future Notice Date: Not specified
Award Date: 31 Jan 20264 months ago
Contract Period: 2 Feb 2026 - 1 Feb 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status: Complete
Lots Status: Complete
Awards Status: Active
Contracts Status: Active

Buyer & Supplier

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Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: MET OFFICE
Contact Name: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality: EXETER
Postcode: EX1 3PB
Post Town: Exeter
Country: England
Major Region (ITL 1): TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2): TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3): TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location: Not specified
Local Authority: Exeter
Electoral Ward: Pinhoe
Westminster Constituency: Exmouth and Exeter East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers: 1
Supplier Name: VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056280-2026
15th June 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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