---
title: "GB-Newcastle Upon Tyne: T21/0010 Onboard Data Buffer and Processor"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY"
published: "2021-11-19"
---

# GB-Newcastle Upon Tyne: T21/0010 Onboard Data Buffer and Processor

Buyer: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3

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## Summary

The procurement process titled "GB-Newcastle Upon Tyne: T21/0010 Onboard Data Buffer and Processor" was conducted by Northumbria University in the North East of the United Kingdom. The tender, categorized under the communications satellites industry (CPV code: 35631100), has now concluded, with the award date being 15th November 2021. The open procurement procedure called for the development of a prototype for high-speed data transmission electronics, critical for the innovative Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication system aimed at CubeSats. The contract value is set at £200,000, covering the period from 22nd November 2021 to 30th April 2022.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses focusing on advanced electronics or satellite communications, particularly those capable of producing high-speed data handling equipment. Large scale suppliers experienced in developing printed circuit boards and communications technologies would be well-positioned to compete in future tenders, leveraging the growing interest in satellite technology and innovative communication methods. Collaboration with academic institutions like Northumbria University may also enhance prospects for smaller firms seeking to establish themselves in this sector.

## Notice

Currently, the highest heritage ka-band radio frequency (RF) technology in small sats (herein we refer to them as CubeSats) can achieve 10-100 kbps with an onboard data storage capacity of ~8 GBytes (similar to SD cards in mobile phones). The aim of this experimental research project is to replace the existing low-speed RF and high-power transceiver in CubeSats with the high-speed, light weight and lower power free-space optical (FSO) wireless technology. The proposed intensity-modulation/direct-detection (IM/DD) FSO system will use an infrared laser source prototyped by Durham and Northumbria Universities in collaboration with UK-based industry partner SMS Electronics Limited. The high-speed electronics (encoding, modulation, etc.), the drive circuit and the optical head as well as the optical receiver together with all the supporting data, control, and optics modules will now be optimized and fabricated, increasing to TRL-7. We are seeking a sub-contractor who will help us to design and develop (to PCB layout and bring-up testing) a full working prototype of the electronics boards for handling high speed (1 Gbps) data transmission using our FSO system design, incorporating radiation hardened components, flight-ready controller, and buffering to interface with the satellite bus.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7b20b25e-bb0f-4f9c-a347-18efd2e8ce71 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 19 Nov 2021 |
| Submission deadline | 15 Nov 2021 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 15 Nov 2021 |
| Contract period | 22 Nov 2021 - 30 Apr 2022 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £200,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £200,000 |
| 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 | NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY |
| Locality | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE |
| Post town | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Postcode | NE1 8ST |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear |
| ITL 3 | TLC43 Tyneside |
| Local authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Electoral ward | Monument |
| Westminster constituency | Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West |
| Delivery location | TLC North East (England) |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | E2E SERVICES |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting
- 32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

### Codes

- 31712310 - Populated printed circuit boards
- 32531000 - Satellite communications equipment
- 35631100 - Communication satellites

## Release History

- 19 Nov 2021 at 13:00 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7b20b25e-bb0f-4f9c-a347-18efd2e8ce71

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7b20b25e-bb0f-4f9c-a347-18efd2e8ce71
  19th November 2021 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/respondToList.html?noticeId=644872496
  Please follow this link to view the notice.

## Provenance

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