The tendering process follows a structured, sequential approach, with each successive stage building on the content and feedback of the preceding stage.
Getting started
- Register you company on our esa-star system, which is where you will submit your Full Proposal. Please familiarise yourself with the complete registration process guide. Once you are registered, you can login to esa-star publication to download the official tender documentation.
- Sign up to Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP), which is where you will find all the information and templates you need to prepare and submit the first steps of your application.
You are advised to inform your National Delegation(s) of your intention to submit a proposal as soon as possible, as you will need to have their written authorisation for ESA funding to proceed at the Full Proposal stage.
To help you with the application process, we have a network of Ambassadors available to provide you with high-quality business consultancy support.
How to apply: three-step guide
If your activity originates from a Kick-start, Proof-of-Concept or Enabling Study, ESA may recommend that you can go straight to Step Three – but you will still require authorisation from your National Delegation(s).
If you are in this position, please obtain confirmation from your ESA contact person about whether this is applicable to you.
- Step 1: Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ)
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The first step is to tell us concisely about your preliminary concept by submitting the Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ).
ESA can then provide you with feedback and – if your APQ is accepted – guide you on the next steps.
- Step 2: Outline Proposal
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Once your APQ has been accepted, the next step is to submit an Outline Proposal. This must be done within two months of your APQ submission.
Your Outline Proposal will be evaluated by ESA, with feedback and approval provided as appropriate in due course.
- Step 3: Full Proposal
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Upon acceptance of the Outline Proposal, you will be invited to prepare a Full Proposal, incorporating ESA’s feedback. You must do this within four months of your Outline Proposal being approved.
Written Authorisation of ESA Funding (AOF) from the relevant National Delegation(s) covering the full scope of the proposal must accompany the Full Proposal when it is submitted for evaluation via esa-star .
The Full Proposal will be evaluated by a Tender Evaluation Board (TEB). In case of a positive proposal evaluation, the TEB recommends the activity for implementation, pending answers to any clarification points identified.
Once negotiations are successfully completed, the project kick-off will be agreed, and the agreement will be sent for signature.
Disclaimer
Please note that all information provided on this webpage is for general guidance only. In case of any discrepancies or conflicts, the official ESA sources shall always take precedence. These include, but are not limited to:
- esa-star publication
- esa-star tendering
Participants are strongly advised to refer to these official channels for authoritative and up-to-date information regarding ESA opportunities, requirements and procedures.