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

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is conducting 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. This competition focuses on early‑stage, pre‑commercial research and development activity only.

UKSA intends to award multiple contracts under this competition. Each contract will require the supplier to undertake a time‑limited study examining a proposed concept. The studies are expected to assess technical feasibility, performance characteristics, delivery considerations, risks and indicative costs, and to provide evidence to help UKSA develop a clearer understanding of the available solution space.

The requirements are deliberately outcome‑focused and do not prescribe a single technical solution. Suppliers are encouraged to propose innovative and differentiated approaches, which may vary in technical design, maturity and scope. As a result, individual contract values may vary, subject to any stated maximum contract value.

Appointment under this competition does not commit UKSA to any subsequent procurement for further development or operational delivery. Any future phases or follow‑on activity would be subject to separate consideration, funding approval and, where appropriate, further competition.

This notice relates to the intended procurement for a contract which is an exempted contract under s 3(6) and Schedule 2, Part 2 (Subject-matter exempted contracts), paragraph 22 (Research and Development Services) of the Procurement Act 2023 (the 'Act'). Exempted contracts are not a public contract as defined in s3 of the Act and therefore are not required to be procured in accordance with the provisions of the Act that relate to a covered procurement.

Full details of the requirement, evaluation and contractual arrangements are set out in the tender documentation.