Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development

Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Published: May 19, 2026

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Source: uk_fts

About This Opportunity

This is a services contract in the governance and public administration sector, with a focus on Translation. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of GBP 1.7 million.

Published through UK FTS - Find a Tender Service, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for services in the governance and public administration sector. Service contracts are typically evaluated on both technical quality and price, and may require bidders to demonstrate relevant experience and qualified personnel. This is an advance notice — the formal tender is expected to be published shortly. Interested parties can use this time to prepare documentation and identify potential partners.

Description

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) intends to commence a competitive procurement for the delivery of concept studies to explore potential technical and commercial approaches for the provision of a space-based time transfer capability that is independent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
The requirement is part of the Space-Based Time Transfer Service (Space BaTTS) Research & Development Programme to develop, validate, and assess technology concepts that could fulfil an unmet government requirement for GNSS-independent global timing, provide UK overseas territories with backup timing solutions, and provide the UK mainland with an additional layer of timing resilience.
The procurement will seek to appoint multiple suppliers to undertake time-limited proof-of-concept studies, to examine the viability of different space-enabled architectures and services to meet the aims of the Space BaTTS R&D Programme. Each study will assess technical performance, operational suitability, delivery risk and indicative costs, and will provide evidence to inform future investment decisions.
The outputs will be used to develop a clearer understanding of the solution space and reduce uncertainty, informing any subsequent phases of work which could be undertaken.

Please see Planned Procurement Notice for full details of the forthcoming requirement: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040336-2026

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from UK FTS - Find a Tender Service and was originally published on May 19, 2026. Last refreshed 3 days ago. Reference: 045615-2026. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Department for Science, Innovation & Technology has issued 97 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 23 currently open and 52 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Governance & Public Administration, Information & Communication Technology, and Research & Innovation. All notices are published for United Kingdom. Notices are distributed via UK FTS - Find a Tender Service. Most recent publication: June 18, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

What type of contract is this?

This is a Services contract in the Governance & Public Administration sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.

What is the estimated budget?

The estimated contract value is £1,680,000 - £1,680,000. Bidders should ensure their proposals are consistent with this range and account for any local taxes and contract execution costs.

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.

How can I submit a bid?

Visit UK FTS - Find a Tender Service to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions. Quote reference 045615-2026 when communicating with the contracting authority.

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by Department for Science, Innovation & Technology in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.