{"start":0,"take":1,"total":1,"items":[{"activityNumber":"1000046961","budgetReference":"E/0901-01 - Technology Developme","classified":false,"closingDate":"2026-10-12T13:00:00","extensionRequestDeadline":"2026-09-28T13:00:00","clarificationRequestDeadline":"2026-09-28T13:00:00","description":"Large optical antennas provide higher gain and sensitivity, ensure high data transmission rates,improve weak-light signal detection and are therefore necessary in photon starving regimesapplications as interplanetary, deep space and quantum communication. Segmenting the mainmirror is a very cost-effective solution when building large telescopes. However, large collectingareas of superior optical quality per se are not sufficient to achieve the alignment performancerequired to transmit entangled photons over long distances without decoherence. Co-phasingdifferent mirror segments with the accuracy required for quantum communication protocolsconstitutes an acknowledged challenge.This activity aims to develop, test, and validate a breadboard co-phasing system for segmentedmirror telescopes for single mode fiber coupling, supporting next-generation quantumcommunication networks, long-distance optical links, and turbulence-free telescope operations. Thesystem shall be suitable for the alignment of large (6 m and above) segmented mirror antenna andshall grant the wavefront distortions, focus, and tip-tilt continuous correction. The system shallactively adjust themirror positions to compensate for thermal, mechanical, gravitational flexure, andother environmental disturbance to enhance beam quality, coupling efficiency, reduce optical losses,maintain interferometric stability and improve single-photon detection efficiency to support satellitebased Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors(incl. SMEs).  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":false,"establishment":"ESOC","firstPublicationDate":"2026-07-10T08:44:27","id":191330,"idEra":25412,"initiatingService":"OPS-GSO","ipmeasure":"C1","isArchived":false,"isCancelled":false,"isReissued":false,"isToBeReissued":false,"issueQuarter":"000","lastUpdateTime":"2026-08-31T15:43:28","lastUpdateUser":"spancott","openDate":"2026-07-30T13:16:44","priceRange":"> 500 KEURO","programmeReference":"Technology Developme","tanumber":"1-13626","title":"T512-900GS CO-PHASING OF SEGMENTED MIRROR TELESCOPES FOR FREE-SPACE TO FIBERBASED QUANTUM COMMUNICATION (EXPRO+)","directorate":"Directorate of Operations","countries":[{"id":1},{"id":168},{"id":67},{"id":27},{"id":26},{"id":25},{"id":24},{"id":23},{"id":22},{"id":19},{"id":17},{"id":16},{"id":13},{"id":12},{"id":11},{"id":10},{"id":9},{"id":8},{"id":7},{"id":6},{"id":5},{"id":2},{"id":15}],"products":[{"id":23}],"technologies":[{"id":298}],"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, 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, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to fulfil the requirements concerning “Free Competition” (see paragraph 10 of the Cover Letter of the Proposal Template).","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 be compliant with the “Non-Benefits Requirements” (see section 1.8 of the EXPRO/TC).","The Tenderer confirms that the tender Cover Letter and the Detailed Proposal contain a binding price.","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 is compliant with the budgetary limit applicable to the ITT.","For tenders where LSI company(ies) are participating in the tender as Subcontractor(s), the cover letter of the tender confirms that all the conditions for LSI participation are fulfilled and indicates the dedicated section of the tender where this evidence is provided (“C1 Measure”). "],"evaluationCriterias":[{"criterion":"Background and experience (related to the particular field of optical and quantum communication) of the company(ies) and staff, including adequacy of proposed facilities. ","weightingFactor":"40%"},{"criterion":"Understanding of the objectives of the activity and discussion of problem areas, and adequacy of the programme of work.","weightingFactor":"40%"},{"criterion":"Adequacy of time dedication and costing, compliance with administrative tender conditions and acceptance of the contract conditions.","weightingFactor":"20%"}],"entities":[],"procurementProposal":null,"responsible":"Maren Bednarek","updateReason":"Tender Clarification has been published"}],"totalNew":0,"totalUpdated":0}