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Construction Contract Leads

Scope

Reference

P00005207

Description

Portsmouth City Council on behalf of the Solent Freeport, as its accountable body is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced organisation to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study exploring the potential need, viability, optimal operating model, and most suitable location for space focused infrastructure.

This should include but not be limited to a Centre of Excellence for Electric Propulsion, Satellite Manufacturing or Satellite Communications in the Solent region. The outcomes of this study will inform future decision making, investment planning, and partnership development within the region.

The appointed supplier will be required to deliver an evidence based feasibility study to determine:

• Whether there is sufficient demand and strategic value to establish a Centre of Excellence in the Solent

• What such a centre would need to comprise (size, capabilities, testing facilities, specialisms, and infrastructure)

• The most viable and sustainable operating model

• Suggestions for the facility's location

The successful supplier will be required to deliver a robust, evidence based study that addresses the following:

1. Gap Analysis (Supply-side Assessment)

2. Needs Assessment (Demand-side Assessment)

3. Market and Competitor Analysis (Strategic Positioning)

4. Concept for the Proposed Centre

5. Location Assessment

6. Operating Model Options

7. Economic Impact and Investment Potential

It is the intention that the procurement will adhere to the below timetable:

1. Documents available on In-tend - 4th March 2026

2. Deadline for requests for clarification - 14th March 5pm 2026

3. Quotation return deadline - 25th March 5pm 2026

4. Award decision notified to bidders & contract award - 3rd April 2026

5. Start of contract - 8th April 2026

The supplier will be expected to:

1. Attend an inception meeting - 8th April 2026

2. Provide a detailed project plan - 15th April 2026

3. Draft Feasibility Study Report - 26th June 2026

4. Produce Final Feasibility Study Report, incorporating feedback - 31st July 2026

5. Produce Executive Summary suitable for publication - 31st July 2026

Total value (estimated)

• £125,000 including VAT

Below the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

• 8 April 2026 to 31 July 2026
• Possible extension to 30 September 2026
• 5 months, 23 days

Description of possible extension:

The contract will be awarded for an initial term of four months thereafter the council will have the option to extend the term by a rolling monthly basis up to a maximum of two months. Any period(s) of extension will be at the council's sole discretion.

Options

The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.

Tenderers are to provide hourly rates for relevant consultant levels which have been used to build up aspects of the initial commission and are to be subsequently applied to any extensions agreed to the initial commission post award.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

• 71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services
• 72221000 - Business analysis consultancy services
• 72224000 - Project management consultancy services
• 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
• 79411000 - General management consultancy services

Contract locations

• UKJ31 - Portsmouth

Participation

Conditions of participation

Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation

As described in the procurement specific questionnaire and the conditions of participation.

Technical ability conditions of participation

As described in the procurement specific questionnaire and the conditions of participation.

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Submission

Enquiry deadline

14 March 2026, 5:00pm

Tender submission deadline

25 March 2026, 5:00pm

Submission address and any special instructions

Tenders may be submitted electronically

Yes

Award criteria

Tenders will be evaluated against the following award criteria:

Quality 70%

Price 30%

Further information can be found in the procurement documents available on In-tend.

Procedure

Procedure type

Below threshold - open competition

Contracting authority

Portsmouth City Council

• Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCNL-5714-PRZV

Civic Offices, Guildhall Square

Portsmouth

PO1 2AL

United Kingdom

Email: procurement [at] portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Region: UKJ31 - Portsmouth

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government