--- title: "Solent Freeport: Feasibility Study into Space Focused Infrastructure" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06628d" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06628d" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06628d.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06628d.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL" published: "2026-03-04" --- # Solent Freeport: Feasibility Study into Space Focused Infrastructure Buyer: PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06628d [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06628d) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06628d.json) ## Summary The Solent Freeport project, commissioned by Portsmouth City Council, seeks a comprehensive feasibility study into establishing space-focused infrastructure in the Solent region. Under this active tender stage, the city council is the accountable body and is inviting suitably qualified organisations to conduct this strategic research, which is essential for future investments and partnerships. Key milestones in the procurement process include the availability of documents on 4th March 2026, with submissions due by 25th March 2026, and the award decision forthcoming by 3rd April 2026. The selected contractor will begin work on 8th April 2026, aiming to complete the final report by the end of July. This opportunity falls under the public authority sub-central government classification, emphasising consultancy services related to technical, business, and project management in the UKJ31 region. This tender offers substantial opportunities for business growth, particularly for consultancy providers in technical analysis, business and project management, and R&D services. With a contract value of £125,000, businesses equipped to offer strategic analyses, market assessments, and feasibility evaluations will find themselves well-suited to compete. The procurement method involves an open competition, welcoming bids from organisations regardless of their size, including small and medium enterprises. Companies adept in delivering evidence-based strategic studies will thrive, as they can directly impact regional development and potential investments by informing key decision-making processes. This contract presents an excellent platform for businesses aiming to expand their consultancy footprint within the burgeoning space sector. ## Notice Portsmouth City Council on behalf of the Solent Freeport, as its accountable body is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced organisation to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study exploring the potential need, viability, optimal operating model, and most suitable location for space focused infrastructure. This should include but not be limited to a Centre of Excellence for Electric Propulsion, Satellite Manufacturing or Satellite Communications in the Solent region. The outcomes of this study will inform future decision making, investment planning, and partnership development within the region. The appointed supplier will be required to deliver an evidence based feasibility study to determine: * Whether there is sufficient demand and strategic value to establish a Centre of Excellence in the Solent * What such a centre would need to comprise (size, capabilities, testing facilities, specialisms, and infrastructure) * The most viable and sustainable operating model * Suggestions for the facility's location The successful supplier will be required to deliver a robust, evidence based study that addresses the following: 1. Gap Analysis (Supply-side Assessment) 2. Needs Assessment (Demand-side Assessment) 3. Market and Competitor Analysis (Strategic Positioning) 4. Concept for the Proposed Centre 5. Location Assessment 6. Operating Model Options 7. Economic Impact and Investment Potential It is the intention that the procurement will adhere to the below timetable: 1. Documents available on In-tend - 4th March 2026 2. Deadline for requests for clarification - 14th March 5pm 2026 3. Quotation return deadline - 25th March 5pm 2026 4. Award decision notified to bidders & contract award - 3rd April 2026 5. Start of contract - 8th April 2026 The supplier will be expected to: 1. Attend an inception meeting - 8th April 2026 2. Provide a detailed project plan - 15th April 2026 3. Draft Feasibility Study Report - 26th June 2026 4. Produce Final Feasibility Study Report, incorporating feedback - 31st July 2026 5. Produce Executive Summary suitable for publication - 31st July 2026 ### Lot Information Lot 1 Options: Tenderers are to provide hourly rates for relevant consultant levels which have been used to build up aspects of the initial commission and are to be subsequently applied to any extensions agreed to the initial commission post award. Renewal: The contract will be awarded for an initial term of four months thereafter the council will have the option to extend the term by a rolling monthly basis up to a maximum of two months. Any period(s) of extension will be at the council's sole discretion. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Below threshold - open competition | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 4 Mar 2026 | | Submission deadline | 25 Mar 2026 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 7 Apr 2026 - 31 Jul 2026 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £125,000 | | Lots value | £125,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL | | Locality | PORTSMOUTH | | Post town | Portsmouth | | Postcode | PO1 2AL | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) | | ITL 2 | TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight | | ITL 3 | TLJ31 Portsmouth | | Local authority | Portsmouth | | Electoral ward | Charles Dickens | | Westminster constituency | Portsmouth South | | Delivery location | TLJ31 Portsmouth | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services - 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support - 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services - 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security ### Codes - 71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services - 72221000 - Business analysis consultancy services - 72224000 - Project management consultancy services - 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services - 79411000 - General management consultancy services ## Release History - 4 Mar 2026 at 17:33 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026 4th March 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://in-tendhost.co.uk/portsmouthcc/aspx/Home - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-h6vhtk-06628d. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06628d.json.