ISAM Programme Feasibility Study

Space Scotland is the coordinating body for the Scottish space industry, promoting the growth and development of the Scottish space sector. We work to connect key stakeholders, promote sector priorities, and facilitate international and cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance Scotland’s role in the global space ecosystem.

Space Scotland is seeking to appoint a specialist contractor to undertake a feasibility study, from November 2026 to March 2027, assessing whether Scotland should develop a coordinated In-Space Advanced Manufacturing (ISAM) programme.

The Brief

Space Scotland is seeking to appoint a specialist contractor to undertake a feasibility study, from November 2026 to March 2027, assessing whether Scotland should develop a coordinated In-Space Advanced Manufacturing (ISAM) programme. The study will examine industry demand, market opportunities, existing Scottish capabilities, capability gaps, and the costs and practical requirements for future coordination. It will consider relevant enabling technologies including advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, photonics, sensors, and related sectors from a space-industry perspective. The study will test market failure, economic additionality, potential economic impacts, governance options, industry participation models, funding requirements, and delivery approaches. The output will be a final feasibility report recommending whether to proceed, defer, or stop development of an ISAM programme and, where appropriate, propose a proportionate and costed route for future phases.

What We Need from a Contractor

• Experience delivering feasibility studies, economic assessments, or strategic reviews.
• Knowledge of the global space sector and ISAM landscape.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, photonics, sensors, or related technology sectors.
• Understanding of the Scottish innovation, research, and industrial landscape.
• Experience undertaking stakeholder engagement across industry, academia, and the public sector.
• Ability to assess market opportunities, delivery models, and investment cases.
• Experience producing clear, evidence-based recommendations for strategic decision-making.

Scope of Work

Evidence Review and Capability Mapping - Review relevant market, policy, technology, and industry evidence and map Scottish capabilities relevant to ISAM and associated enabling technologies.

Stakeholder Engagement - Undertake targeted engagement with industry, academia, government, and other relevant stakeholders to understand opportunities, barriers, and demand.

Market Assessment - Assess near-term market opportunities and Scotland's potential role within the evolving ISAM landscape.

Coordination Options Appraisal - Evaluate potential options for programme coordination, including governance, funding, operating requirements, economic impacts, and industry participation.

Final Feasibility Report - Produce a validated final report containing findings, recommendations, and a costed roadmap for any proposed future phase. Findings should be validated through stakeholder engagement. The Space Scotland executive team will provide strategic direction, facilitate selected stakeholder relationships and oversee acceptance of the findings by industry. This report must be delivered by 22 March 2027.

Budget - GBP 20,000 excluding VAT.

Proposal Requirements

Company overview and relevant experience.

Examples of comparable studies or projects.

Proposed methodology and delivery approach.

Stakeholder engagement plan.

Proposed timetable and deliverables.

Key personnel and relevant experience.

Fee breakdown against proposed activities and deliverables.

Details of any conflicts of interest.

Limited to 6 pages.

Weighted Evaluation

Understanding of the brief. 15%

Quality and credibility of the proposed approach. 35%

Relevant experience and expertise. 25%

Capability of the proposed team. 10%

Value for money. 10%

Ability to deliver within the required timescale. 5%

Submission

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] by 5PM Monday 23rd November. Please include "ISAM Programme Feasibility Study – ITQ" in the subject line. Any questions regarding the tender should be directed to [email protected].

Space Scotland reserves the right to seek clarification on submissions where required and to amend the procurement timetable if necessary.