Written by 
The UK Government has announced plans for a significant new procurement programme that will expand access to commercial Earth Observation (EO) data and services across the public sector.
Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the initiative aims to create a more coordinated approach to acquiring and using satellite-derived Earth Observation data. By providing a centralised route to access EO capabilities, the programme is expected to reduce duplicated procurement activity, encourage data sharing across government, and support evidence-based decision-making in a wide range of applications.
With an estimated value of £54 million (excluding VAT), the procurement will support public sector organisations working in areas such as environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, climate resilience, emergency response, agriculture, land management and wider policy development.
Two Lots Covering Data and Specialist Services
The procurement has been structured into two separate lots:
Lot 1: Core Commercial Earth Observation Data
This lot will provide commercial optical satellite imagery and associated products for use across the UK public sector. The successful supplier will deliver current and historic Earth Observation data, metadata, quality assurance information, licensing rights and technical support services.
Lot 2: Specialist Earth Observation Services
The second lot will provide access to specialist EO products and services through a call-off arrangement. This may include routine monitoring services, high-resolution and tasked imagery, archive data, analytics, decision-support tools, field evidence collection, training and implementation support.
The structure has been designed to support a broad range of suppliers, including specialist providers, SMEs, consortium bids and wider supply chain partnerships.
Key Dates
The procurement is expected to follow a Competitive Flexible Procedure through the Crown Commercial Service Space Technology Solutions Dynamic Market (RM6370).
Indicative timeline:
- Tender notice publication: 12 October 2026
- Enquiry deadline: 6 November 2026
- Deadline for requests to participate: 20 November 2026
- Expected contract award: 5 March 2027
- Contract period: 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2030
- Potential extension: One additional year to 31 March 2031
Suppliers wishing to participate must be registered on the CCS Space Technology Solutions Dynamic Market (RM6370) before the procurement closes.
Supporting the Future of EO in Government
The planned procurement represents one of the largest recent investments in commercial Earth Observation services for the UK public sector. By enabling greater access to EO data and analytics, the programme is expected to strengthen the use of geospatial intelligence across government and support better outcomes for communities, infrastructure, the environment and public services.
Further Information
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Reference: GDS5841
Notice Identifier: 2026/S 000-085379
Email: Geospatial.EO@dsit.gov.uk
More information is available via the Find a Tender Service notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085379-2026