UKSAC22_0055 Request for Information (RFI) Earth Observation Instrumentation Programme

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 has sought 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.

Since its inception, the programme has been delivered by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), a consortium of EO experts which has run 14 funding calls to date.An evaluation of the latest phase of the programme concluded in May 2022 and helped to successfully make the case for further programme funding.

UKSA are now preparing to undertake a competitive re-tendering process to deliver the next phase of the programme. The next contract will provide continuity of the programme, whilst also providing an option to scale up the programme, should further funding become available as a result of ongoing National Space Strategy implementation planning.

The successful supplier will be responsible for a small number of ongoing projects, in addition to managing new funding calls, organising events, and providing expert advice to the UK Space Agency through the Added Value programme.

The information gathered through this Request for Information (RFI) will support the ongoing development of the EOIP requirements.

Suppliers are requested to answer the questions within the attached RFI questionnaire and reply to commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk by 14:00 on the 19th September 2022.

All responses to the question set will be treated as commercially sensitive and respondents may answer as many or as few of the questions as they wish.