A Space Technology Solutions agreement developed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will change how the UK public sector receives space-related technologies
The Space Technology Solutions agreement is its kind from CCS to focus solely on space innovation and supports the flexibility of the new Procurement Act 2023.
Growing the space innovation industry
The UK’s space sector is currently valued at over £18.9 billion annually and employs more than 52,000 people. It has a vital role in modern society as it powers everything from navigation and communications to financial transactions and climate monitoring.
This new Space Technology Solutions agreement is designed to ensure that the public sector can access cutting-edge space technologies more easily and improve public services and support economic growth.
The Space Technology Solutions agreement replaces and expands on the CCS’s previous Space-Enabled and Geospatial Services Dynamic Purchasing System.
With better capabilities, the new agreement is better suited to more complex procurement needs. It includes both upstream (infrastructure like satellites and launch systems) and downstream (services like data analytics and communications) technologies.
Accessing advanced technologies
Public sector organisations across the UK will benefit from quicker and easier access to innovative space solutions. Some of the areas where this technology can make a difference include:
- Weather forecasting and climate monitoring: Earth observation satellites and data analytics are helping organisations improve accuracy in weather predictions and track climate patterns more effectively. These tools support everything from flood preparedness to agricultural planning.
- Satellite communications: Next-generation connectivity solutions, such as low-Earth orbit satellite networks, are allowing for secure and reliable communication for emergency services and remote regions, ensuring resilience even in crises.
A key part of the Space Technology Solutions agreement is its use of the Competitive Flexible Procedure, a procurement method that works with the new Procurement Act 2023.
This allows public sector buyers to personalise the procurement process to their specific needs, making it easier to design fit-for-purpose solutions and engage the right suppliers.
The Space Technology Solutions agreement also improves compliance by fast-tracking how organisations engage with vendors, ensuring that purchases align with both national security and innovation goals.
Regional growth and SME inclusion
One of the agreement’s core objectives is to improve the UK’s regional economies by supporting space clusters.
By making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to work with government buyers, the agreement promotes job creation and technological advancement across the country.
This approach also ensures that taxpayer money delivers maximum value while creating a more inclusive and competitive market for suppliers of all sizes.
The Space Technology Solutions agreement is set to run for six years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. This long-term framework gives both suppliers and public sector buyers the stability and planning certainty they need to develop and deliver effective space-based solutions.
