Provision of the Earth Observation Instrumentation Programme (EOIP)

Description of the procurement: Earth observation (EO) science is fundamental to humanity's understanding of our planet, its climate and natural processes. EO capabilities enable a wide range of public services, including meteorology, Earth imagery, climate monitoring, environmental management & agriculture, urban planning, and intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance. These services are all underpinned by the instruments and technologies which enable satellites to gather data, which can take decades to design, build and mature.

To build UK capability and develop the UK industrial/academic skill base, the UK Space Agency established the Earth Observation Instrumentation Programme (EOIP) in 2007. The programme seeks to develop UK capability in EO instrumentation by: providing and overseeing the delivery of match-funded grants; providing strategic, business and technical advice to project teams, the wider EO sector and UK government; and promoting close working relationships and knowledge transfer between the academic community and industry. The UK Space Agency is now undertaking a retendering process for the next contract for the programme.

Further details are available via the attachment to this Future Opportunity

Market engagement: We intend to release a Request for Information before the end of August, together with a draft statement of requirements.

It is our intention to hold a market engagement event on the afternoon of the 7th September 2022 from 13:00 to 14:00 at the UK National Earth Observation conference, National Space Centre, Leicester (room TBC). At the event there will be an opportunity to discuss our plans and consult with parties interested in potentially bidding to deliver the Programme. The event will take the form of a presentation and discussion and will outline our current thinking, the anticipated procurement process, general discussion, and request for information. The process will also provide an opportunity to network with others in this field.

We welcome engagement from those who are not planning to attend the conference; we intend to provide the opportunity to join the session remotely and provide a recording for interested parties.

UK Space Agency will use the opportunity to gather intelligence from providers who may influence and inform the development of the final tender.

Next Steps / joining instructions: If you are planning to attend the National EO Conference and would like to attend the event on 7th September in person, please let us know by emailing [email protected] so that we can ensure sufficient room capacity.

If you would like to join virtually, or would like to receive a recording of the event, please also contact us at the above email address.

The Authority reserves the right not to proceed with the Procurement, or any part thereof, or change the requirements as necessary at any time.