Solent Freeport Centre of Excellence
The winning team selected for the estimated GBP80,000-to-GBP100,000 commission will carry out a feasibility study exploring the demand, viability and location of a potential Centre of Excellence covering electric propulsion, satellite manufacturing or communications in the Solent region. The study is part of the wider Solent Freeport initiative - a special economic zone spanning eight separate sites in the area surrounding Portsmouth and Southampton. The commission will shape future investment and partnerships by exploring gap analysis, market assessment, economic impact and concept design.
According to the brief: '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.
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'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.' Portsmouth is historic port city - home to a major university and naval base - and has a population of 205,400 with a greater density than that of London.
The Solent Freeport spans Portsmouth, Southampton, Havant, Eastleigh and the New Forest. Keh aims of the initiative include promoting port and manufacturing activities and promoting innovation in low-carbon technologies. The latest feasibility study will explore the potential for new space-focused infrastructure within the freeport including a Centre of Excellence.
Proposals for the new complex - covering electric propulsion, satellite manufacturing or communications - must explore sites within Solent Freeport tax areas or wider geographic region.
Bids for the latest commission will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price.
Applicants must hold employer's liability insurance of GBP5 million, public liability insurance of GBP5 million and professional indemnity insurance of GBP5 million.
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Competition details
Project title Feasibility Study into Space Focused Infrastructure
Client Portsmouth City Council (Solent Freeport accountable body)
Contract value Tbc
First round deadline 5pm, 25 March 2026
Restrictions Credit Safe score 50+ or guarantee; two relevant previous fessability examples
More information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026[1]
References
- ^ https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019705-2026 (www.find-tender.service.gov.uk)