The Science and technology facilities council (STFC) in the UK is procuring a large space test chamber in which to test satellites as part of its new national satellite test facility.

The National satellite test facility (NSTF) is a new national facility for the environmental testing of complete satellites (up to 7 tonnes mass). It is being funded by the UK Government in response to a study commissioned by the UK space agency (UKSA) into the status of existing space test facilities in the UK.

The Large Space Test Chamber (LSTC) — sitting within the larger National Satellite Test Facility - is to test large satellite/instruments in a cleanroom environment. The facility consists of a Vacuum chamber, Vacuum system, Thermal system, and Control System/automation. The Contract is for the complete manufacture and supply, as well as installation, training and operational support to commission the facility.

To participate in this procurement, participants shall first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite.

If Bidders have not yet registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/emptoris by following the link ‘Supplier e-Sourcing Registration’.

Please note that, to register, Bidders must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so. Note: registration may take some time, please ensure that you allow a sufficient amount of time to register. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esourcing-tool-guidance-for-suppliers Once you have registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; Your organisations full name as a registered supplier; the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done as a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information applicable to this opportunity. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk (Not UK SBS Ltd): Email: eenablement@crowncommercial.gov.uk

Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/supplier.aspx Responses must be received by the date in IV.2.2.

Responses received outside or concurrently using the e-Sourcing process will not be accepted or considered further for this opportunity.