---
title: "Supply of hardware as part of The OU spaceflight instrument and planetary science research"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)"
published: "2025-06-30"
---

# Supply of hardware as part of The OU spaceflight instrument and planetary science research

Buyer: OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97

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## Summary

The Open University has completed the award stage of a procurement process for the supply of hardware, specifically as part of its spaceflight instrument and planetary science research. The awarded contract involves the procurement of two CHROMA-D 2Kx512 SWIR EM Detectors, suitable for spaceflight applications. This falls under the industry category of 'Detection apparatus'. The procurement process was executed using a limited method, a negotiated procedure without prior publication, due to the absence of competition for technical reasons. The contract is valued at GBP 420,000, with the contract period running from 26th June 2025 to 31st January 2026. The buying organisation, The Open University, is based in Milton Keynes, England.

This tender presents opportunities for businesses involved in the aerospace and advanced detection apparatus sectors, especially those that can offer off-the-shelf space-qualified products without the need for further development or customisation, aligning with the tight timelines of space missions. Large suppliers with expertise in advanced infrared detector technology, such as those currently collaborating with the European Space Agency, would be well-positioned to engage with similar opportunities in future projects. Innovative companies that meet stringent technical specifications required by academia and research institutions can leverage such contracts for business growth.

## Notice

The Open University is procuring specialist hardware from a third party provider. This award notice is regarding phase 2 of the two phases detailed in the VEAT notice 2024/S 000-006505- published in February 2024. Phase 2: Subject to successful outcomes from Phase 1, a subsequent contract for the procurement of flight-quality devices for inclusion on final I-MIM mission instrument. Procurement of two CHROMA-D 2Kx512 SWIR EM Detectors. Negotiated without a prior call for competition. The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason: absence of competition for technical reasons Explanation: Based on the use requirement of the final product, The OU requires a space-qualified combined visible-infrared detector for delivery within the funded timeframe of the project. Due to the time constraints of the project only existing "off the shelf" technology is required, any products still within the development phase or where a custom build would be required, will not be suitable. The combined visible-infrared detector is required for a specific instrument which is for an established space-flight application. The following technical specifications (arising from the existing instrument optical design) are critical requirements: Pixel pitch: 18 um Pixel format: 2k x 1k and stitchable design Spectral range: covering less than 400nm up to 2.5 micron(i.e. UV/visible to IR in one package). The suppliers considered, using publicly available information, in the assessment includes the major detector suppliers that the European Space Agency are currently working with to develop infrared detector technology. Technical data sheets from all current European Space Agency (ESA) infrared detector technology suppliers were reviewed and assessed against the above requirements. The Chroma-D hardware available from Teledyne UK Limited were the only products which met all critical requirements.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f28061a6-5a2f-459e-9b61-25169eab338c |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Limited |
| Procurement method details | Negotiated procedure without prior publication (above threshold) |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 30 Jun 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 25 Jun 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 24 Jun 2025 |
| Contract period | 25 Jun 2025 - 31 Jan 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £420,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £420,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE) |
| Locality | MILTON KEYNES |
| Post town | Milton Keynes |
| Postcode | MK7 6AA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLJ12 Milton Keynes |
| Local authority | Milton Keynes |
| Electoral ward | Monkston |
| Westminster constituency | Milton Keynes Central |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | TELEDYNE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 38431000 - Detection apparatus

## Release History

- 30 Jun 2025 at 12:47 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f28061a6-5a2f-459e-9b61-25169eab338c

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f28061a6-5a2f-459e-9b61-25169eab338c
  30th June 2025 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-20e26506-a400-4784-98f3-1a81237a4e97.json.