{"start":0,"take":1,"total":1,"items":[{"activityNumber":"1000045340","budgetReference":"E/0534-03C - 5G/6G - Advanced Tec","classified":false,"closingDate":"2026-10-22T13:00:00","extensionRequestDeadline":"2026-10-08T13:00:00","clarificationRequestDeadline":"2026-10-08T13:00:00","description":"Objective: The objective of the activity is to design, manufacture, and test a processor breadboard and associated software implementing a distributed unit (DU) onboard a satellite. TheDU will implement Radio Link Control (RLC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) functions, optimized for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), to address processing, memory andpower constraints, as well as service needs in terms of cells and user numbers The feasibility and implementation of control unit (CU) functions on the 5G g-NodeB (gNB)should be addressed by the activity depending on the selected 5G system split and targeted system capacityTargetedImprovements: - Increase the DU throughput by a factor of 10 with respect to currently existing terrestrial network solutions (TN) implemented on space representative hardware.- Increase by a factor of 10 the number of cells handled by the DU, with respect to existing TN solutions.Description: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) require optimized handling of link-layer functions to mitigate the effects of long propagation delays, fluctuating signal conditions, and limitedbandwidth. Conventional NTNs rely on extensive ground infrastructure to manage link-layer functions such as scheduling, retransmission control, and resource allocation.Implementing full CU/DU on-board with high throughput is currently unfeasible due to the high system bandwidth to route and the limited processing power available.This activity shall develop a high-throughput (target 100 Gbps) satellite router breadboard, integrating an onboard CU/DU implemented on a radiation-tolerant multi-coreprocessor.This activity will design, manufacture, and test a processor breadboard and associated software implementing a distributed unit (DU) onboard a satellite.The Radio Link Control (RLC) layer will provide:1. Segmentation and reassembly optimized for dynamic satellite link conditions.2. Retransmission control managed onboard to reduce latency and dependency on ground stations.The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer will handle:1. Onboard scheduling and resource allocation to optimize time-frequency resource use.2. Adaptive HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) to balance error correction and latency.3. Inter-beam coordination to optimize multi-beam traffic distribution. The CU shall perform real-time processing, ensuring efficient and reliable network operation withoutexcessive feeder link traffic. Engineering tasks include system architecture definition, hardware / software integration, and performance validation through breadboardtesting in a representative NTN environment.Procurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses","ecosrequired":true,"establishment":"ESTEC","firstPublicationDate":"2026-05-18T11:22:12","id":187384,"idEra":25089,"initiatingService":"RNC-FTS","ipmeasure":"C2","isArchived":false,"isCancelled":false,"isReissued":false,"isToBeReissued":false,"issueQuarter":"000","lastUpdateTime":"2026-09-03T18:10:02","lastUpdateUser":"ltena","openDate":"2026-06-12T15:26:16","priceRange":"> 500 KEURO","programmeReference":"5G/6G - Advanced Tec","tanumber":"1-13513","title":"5G DISTRIBUTED UNIT PROCESSOR AND ASSOCIATED NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK G-NODEB SOFTWARE (ARTES 4.0 SPL 5G/6G 5A.099) - EXPRO+","directorate":"Dir. of Connectivity  Secure Comm.","countries":[{"id":1},{"id":62},{"id":26},{"id":25},{"id":24},{"id":23},{"id":22},{"id":19},{"id":67},{"id":17},{"id":15},{"id":13},{"id":11},{"id":10},{"id":9},{"id":6},{"id":2},{"id":16},{"id":168}],"products":[{"id":364},{"id":278},{"id":276}],"technologies":[{"id":191},{"id":177},{"id":140}],"status":{"id":2},"tenderType":{"id":5},"isFavourite":false,"eraVersion":1,"stageNumber":null,"isNew":false,"isUpdated":false,"declarationOfCompliances":["All the required declarations of compliance have been addressed and included in our proposal's Cover Letter."],"keyAcceptanceFactors":["The Tenderer confirms that the tender Cover Letter and the Detailed Proposal contain a price type compliant with the one requested in the ITT;","The Tenderer confirms that the tender Cover Letter and the Detailed Proposal contain a binding price;","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to be compliant with the “Non Benefits Requirements” (see section 1.8 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to accept the conditions established for “Non commitment by the Agency in competitive procurements” (see section 1.7 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to fulfil the requirements concerning “Free Competition” (see paragraph 11 of the Cover Letter of the Proposal Template);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to satisfy the “Eligibility Requirements” (see section 1.1 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms that:\nARTES 4.0 Strategic Programme Line - Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity \n\nSupporting evidence of the authorisation of funding from the relevant Participating State(s) is provided as part of the Tender cover letter and in accordance with the requirements of section 4 of the Cover letter to the present ITT.\n\n","The Tenderer confirms that the tender is compliant with the budgetary limit applicable to the ITT;"],"evaluationCriterias":[{"criterion":"Background and experience (related to the particular field concerned) of the company(ies) and staff, including adequacy of the proposed facilities ","weightingFactor":"30%"},{"criterion":"Understanding of the objectives of the activity and discussion of the problem areas, and adequacy of the programme of work","weightingFactor":"50%"},{"criterion":"Adequacy of the time dedication and costing, compliance with administrative tender conditions and acceptance of the contract conditions","weightingFactor":"20%"}],"entities":[],"procurementProposal":null,"responsible":"Francesca Moscon","updateReason":"Tender Clarification has been published"}],"totalNew":0,"totalUpdated":0}