Published date: 13 June 2024

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 8 July 2024

Contract summary

Industry

  • Breathing apparatus for diving - 37412241

  • Diving wear - 37412242

  • Diving services - 98363000

Location of contract

Any region

Procurement reference

tender_417961/1365326

Published date

13 June 2024

Closing date

8 July 2024

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

The introduction of new underwater mobility assets has highlighted the limitations of current in-service underwater breathing apparatus that were not procured to support current or emerging capability, and other associated dive tasks.

The Authority requires a UK prime supplier to design, manufacture and deliver a MRR over an approximate 5-7 year contract including option years. The following is provided for information.

High-level system parameters:
- Sub-surface endurance of 3 to 12 hours.
- Transit depth ~6m up to 10m, short excursions to 30m.
- Stow the prepared equipment easily
- Rapidly re-role for repeat operations
- Modular design allowing flexibility for operations including:
o Use of propulsion equipment up to 3 knots
o Extended periods of swimming
- Streamline, compact equipment
- Efficient resource use

Technical considerations:

- Fully digital electronic, open architecture, digital sensor based, closed circuit diver breathing system with built in safety and resource monitoring algorithms.
- Upgradable sensor systems and monitoring algorithms throughout the life of the capability.
- Track record of designing, developing and testing diver breathing apparatus to military requirements/standards.
- Diver breathing apparatus development and test facilities to the Requirements of BS EN 14143.
- Oxygen clean room assembly and maintenance facilities.
- Ability to manufacture at scale and provide the Quality Assurance processes to support a military diver breathing apparatus capability.


This is a market consultation. The purpose is to advise suppliers of the potential Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) procurement, gain an understanding of the market appetite for supplying these services, and seek feedback from potential suppliers that may inform the final procurement approach to the services. This builds on a commitment to engage with the market, by sharing information and seeking input from the market to enable us to develop the final requirement and tender documentation in a fair and transparent manner.

To view this notice and questionnaire, please visit https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=57814

Potential suppliers may raise questions or seek clarification regarding response to this RFI questionnaire only at any time prior to 17:00hrs (UK time) Monday 1st July 2024. Questions must be submitted via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk.

The completed questionnaire should be returned via email to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk by the response deadline of 17:00hrs (UK time) Monday 8th July 2024.

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Address

Ministry of Defence
Bristol
BS34 8JH
England

Email

desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk