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Continued UK Contribution to the MicroCarb Mission - CO2 Retrieval Algorithm Development and Programme Support

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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14 Jul 2026 at 16:17

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology has awarded a contract under the title "Continued UK Contribution to the MicroCarb Mission – CO₂ Retrieval Algorithm Development and Programme Support." This procurement process falls under the central government category with a direct procurement method due to technical reasons, specifically targeting services related to atmospheric CO₂ measurements. Located in London, the procurement stage is complete, with the award confirmed on 14th July 2026. The project is set to commence on 10th August 2026 and end on 31st March 2027, with potential annual extensions until 2030, depending on mission requirements and funding. The total award value stands at £694,500, with NPL Management Limited being the selected supplier for their expertise and established role in the MicroCarb mission.

This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in algorithm development, data processing, and technical programme support within the aerospace and IT services categories. The focus on CO₂ retrieval algorithm development and programme support is particularly suitable for companies that can deliver high-precision software solutions and technical validation services. Whilst the procurement was conducted directly due to the need for continuity and technical embedding, the extension options over several years suggest potential future opportunities for businesses capable of integrating into the MicroCarb mission framework. Companies with capabilities to innovate in data handling and validation would be well-positioned to benefit from similar contracts in the evolving field of climate and space research.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Continued UK Contribution to the MicroCarb Mission - CO2 Retrieval Algorithm Development and Programme Support

Notice Description

The MicroCarb mission is a Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) led satellite mission designed to deliver high-precision measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The United Kingdom contributes to the mission through scientific, technical and validation activities coordinated by UK Space Agency (UKSA) and delivered via UK partners. This contract covers the continuation of activities required to support the UK contribution for the remainder of FY 2026-27, with a particular focus on continued CO2 retrieval algorithm development, post-launch data exploitation, and ongoing programme-level technical engagement within the MicroCarb mission framework. The services under this contract will continue the development and application of CO2 retrieval algorithms, preparation for the ingestion and processing of MicroCarb data products provided by CNES, and coordination of UK expertise through continued participation in the MicroCarb Advisory Group (MAG). The work builds upon progress delivered to date in providing mission-specific technical support, including adaptation of NASA-developed retrieval frameworks and preparatory activities supporting the transition of MicroCarb towards an operational data exploitation phase. Activities will place increased emphasis on algorithm robustness, data handling capability, validation readiness and sustained mission engagement. Activities under this contract would include: CO2 Retrieval Algorithm Development and Assessment - Incorporation of prior information modules (ABO2 and GASBAG) and a meteorological pre-processor (GEOS-IT) into the CO2 retrieval pipeline; adaptation of existing NASA-developed software to operate with synthetic MicroCarb data for the standard three spectral bands; Development of capability to ingest and utilise the fourth MicroCarb spectral band (1.27 um) and assessment of its performance; Assessment of preliminary MicroCarb Level 2 retrieval performance, including preparation for comparison with CNES retrieval products. MicroCarb Advisory Group and Programme Support - Representation of UKSA/DSIT within the MicroCarb Advisory Group (MAG); Liaison with UK and French partners, including CNES; Provision of technical and programme-level updates and reporting; and submission of a summary report of activities undertaken.

Procurement Information

The Authority considers that the required services can be supplied only by National Physical Laboratory (NPL) due to technical reasons, and that no reasonable alternative or substitute exists. NPL's role is technically embedded over time within the MicroCarb mission through established responsibilities for CO2 retrieval development, calibration and validation readiness, and formal participation in mission governance structures overseen by CNES as technical authority. The UKSA Office of the Chief Engineer, in consultation with stakeholders in CNES, has considered whether alternative organisations could reasonably deliver this scope through competition; however, due to mission-embedded knowledge, CNES technical accreditation requirements, and the need for continuity of algorithm validation and quality assurance activities, no reasonable alternative supplier could deliver the requirement within acceptable technical or programme risk.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cb63
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066474-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

34700000 - Aircraft and spacecraft

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

98910000 - Services specific to international organisations and bodies

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£578,750 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 Jul 2026Yesterday
Contract Period
9 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NPL MANAGEMENT

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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