UK SBS CR18004 - Aurora Programme Evaluation

Tender description

The final date and time for the submission of bids is 12 February 2018 at 11:00 Note: DO NOT apply directly to the buyer. Please disregard any content in this notice that requires your organisation 'to apply directly to the buyer' as this unfortunately is a system generated error that is outside of the contracting authorities control. All tender information MUST be submitted through the CCS eSourcing Portal. Brief Description of Requirement The Aurora Programme, was set up in 2005 by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). At the end of 2016 this became the Robotic Exploration Programme but is still commonly known as the Aurora programme by many people. The first mission of this programme was ExoMars, with the overall goal of the robotic and human exploration of Mars. The overall ExoMars mission is divided into 2 related components the Trace Gas Orbiter launched in 2016 and the rover to be launched in 2020. The purpose of ExoMars is to search for signs of past and present life on Mars, and more specifically, investigate how the water and geochemical environment varies and explore martian atmospheric trace gases and their sources. The mid-term objective but not necessarily the next mission was to participate in an international mission to collect samples from Mars and bring them back to Earth for analysis. The eventual aim of Exomars is a manned mission to Mars in approximately 50-100yrs. The central aim of this tender is the evaluation of the aurora programme and the UK inputs and activities, outcomes and impacts associated with it to date. This will help the UKSA to understand if the programme is on track to deliver its objectives and how it might be improved in future. The evaluation should provide evidence that allows the Agency to assess what impact of the aurora programme has had, relative to what would have happened in its absence. Please ensure you review all attached information to ensure a full understanding of this requirement. All attachments can be found with the RFx attachments tab within the Emptoris System. This contract will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria set out in the ITQ document. How to Apply As part of the strategic alliance between UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) and Crown Commercial Service (CCS), UK SBS will be using the CCS eSourcing Suite for this procurement. To register on the CCS eSourcing portal please follow the details contained within the Additional Information section of this notice. If you are already registered on the CCS eSourcing portal and wish to register your interest in this opportunity please email; expressionofinterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk Your email must clearly state: • the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; • the name of the registered Bidder; • the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email.