---
title: "Iridium Satellite Modem Supply"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "MET OFFICE"
published: "2025-02-17"
---

# Iridium Satellite Modem Supply

Buyer: MET OFFICE  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38

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## Summary

The Met Office is currently in the Tender stage of the procurement process, seeking suppliers for the "Iridium Satellite Modem Supply" project. This procurement focuses on satellite-related communications equipment, specifically prioritising low-power usage designs suitable for marine weather observation. The estimated contract value is £180,000, and the procurement method is an open procedure. Interested suppliers must submit their tenders by 31st March 2025, with the contract period commencing on 2nd June 2025 and concluding on 1st June 2029. The procurement will cover delivery to the United Kingdom.

This tender presents a significant business growth opportunity for firms specialising in satellite communication equipment, particularly those with low-power solutions suitable for marine and remote environments. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, given the suitability for such companies outlined in the tender. Suppliers experienced in providing Integrated Iridium Modems and capable of delivering both interim and advanced solutions will find this contract particularly advantageous. The framework agreement with one supplier will streamline communication and data transmission processes for the Met Office's extensive observation network, offering sustained business engagement over a four-year period.

## Notice

The Met Office operates a marine weather observation network consisting of 10 offshore buoys, 5 lightvessels (LV) and 60 Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS). Observation data is transmitted globally over satellite back to the Met Office for weather prediction modelling and climate records. Reliable global/offshore communication is essential for the network to operate. Observation data is currently transmitted over the Iridium SBD network using Iridium 9522b modems, with maximum message sizes of 395 bytes for buoy use and 40-80 bytes for Light Vessel and Voluntary Observation Ship use. These platforms operate on solar/battery power arrangements, all proposed solutions should feature low power usage by design to accommodate the limited power supply arrangements available. Met Office intend to issue a framework agreement with one supplier of Integrated Iridium Modems for the following use cases: * SBD based direct replacement for obsolete Iridium 9522b modems (interim solution) * Certus 100/IMT based solutions for increased observation throughput and remote station access

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/de6f2044-f940-4f38-af3a-79940791faad |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (above threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 17 Feb 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 31 Mar 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Jun 2025 - 1 Jun 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £180,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MET OFFICE |
| Locality | EXETER |
| Post town | Exeter |
| Postcode | EX1 3PB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK4 Devon |
| ITL 3 | TLK43 Devon CC |
| Local authority | Exeter |
| Electoral ward | Pinhoe |
| Westminster constituency | Exmouth and Exeter East |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

### Codes

- 32530000 - Satellite-related communications equipment
- 32552410 - Modems
- 34930000 - Marine equipment

## Release History

- 17 Feb 2025 at 14:22 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/de6f2044-f940-4f38-af3a-79940791faad

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/de6f2044-f940-4f38-af3a-79940791faad
  17th February 2025 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder

## Notice URLs

- http://www.metoffice.gov.uk

## 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-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-87fdcc13-e944-47bf-be69-2f1cfb4a7a38.json.