Contracts for Innovation : Space Data Solutions for Change Detection and Analysis

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is seeking responses from UK-registered suppliers to deliver a 6-month feasibility demonstrator for project: Space Data Solutions for Change Detection and Analysis, for a share of up to £1 million, exploring the use of satellite data and analytics for change detection in support of UK Government requirements. We are looking to fund at least 2 contracts with a value of up to £500k (INC VAT). UK Space Agency recognises there are potentially different levels of maturity in the market and so invite proposals wherever they sit on the TRL scale so long as they can demonstrate how they will meet our challenge.

Satellite-based Earth observation offers unique capabilities to detect and characterise changes across large, remote, and challenging environments. For certain government users, there is significant potential to enhance situational awareness by combining access to historical satellite archives with near real-time analytics and targeted new data collection.

Scope of the Opportunity:

The demonstrator will test the feasibility and operational value of fusing multiple types of satellite data (archival and newly tasked) to detect, track, and analyse relevant activity. This will include:

• Identifying and accessing suitable archival datasets from commercial, public, and sovereign UK space capabilities.
• Developing and applying analytics to detect and characterise changes of interest.
• Tasking new satellite observations to complement archival analysis.
• Producing actionable outputs that can be trialled with end users in near real-time scenarios.

The selected supplier will work closely with designated UK Government stakeholders to refine outputs during delivery. Detailed operational requirements and the specific application context will be provided to shortlisted suppliers following NDA signature.

Responses are invited from UK-registered companies, consortia, or research organisations with proven capabilities in satellite data acquisition, analytics, and application development.

Suppliers should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience delivering sensitive projects for UK Government or allied agencies.
• The ability to field personnel with Security Check (SC) clearance by the time of contract award.
• Robust processes for handling and storing classified or sensitive information in accordance with UK Government security requirements.

Suppliers without existing clearance may still submit an EOI but must demonstrate they can obtain the necessary clearances in a timely manner.

Due to the sensitive nature of the challenge we are unable to at this stage provide further information about the specific government user. Upon successfully submitting an response , passing the Selection stage and signing of a Non-disclosure agreement. The full challenge documentation will be released and prospective bidders.

Contracts For Innovation Summary

This is a single-phase Contracts for Innovation competition focused on feasibility demonstration. The results will inform whether further funding or procurement is pursued. While there is no guarantee of follow-on funding, there is a possibility of subsequent opportunities open only to successful participants from this competition, subject to positive outcomes and budget availability.

Contracts for Innovation competitions procure R&D services to solve public sector challenges while supporting UK commercial growth. They require demonstrable routes to market, with suppliers retaining intellectual property and the contracting authority retaining rights of use.

In applying to this competition, you are entering into a competitive process.

Any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject to a separate, possibly competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution by the UK Government.

It should be noted that this requirement shall be classed as 'exempt' from PA 2023. This notice is being advertised out for an Expressions of Interest / Specific Questionnaire stage and shall then be withdrawn from the CDP platform and taken forward offline.