Connectivity of Disparate Remote Autonomous Systems - Framework Re-opening No.1

Concepts

• bristol
• military research and technology
• mdis
• number of framework participants
• connectivity of disparate remote autonomous systems
• legacy systems
• framework terms
• collaborative teams of framework contractors
• existing framework
• framework place

Location

United Kingdom: MOD Abbey Wood

Description

Connectivity of Disparate Remote Autonomous Systems - Framework Re-opening No.1 NB: Contract Number 701575556 'Connectivity of Disparate Remote Autonomous Systems' is already awarded to a number of Framework participants as a result of the original competition. The Authority is re-opening this multi-supplier Framework (known as the MDIS Project) as previously notified in the first Contract Notice and the Framework Terms and Conditions, using the same process, criteria, terms and conditions as per the original competition. This is intended to be repeated on a twice-yearly basis and those companies already participating in the existing Framework (Reference 701575556) are not required to re-apply. For administrative purposes this is done via a new DSP Project reference but any new entrants successfully passing the PQQ and being successful at the subsequent Invitation to Tender will effectively be awarded a place under the existing Framework 701575556. This new Contract Notice is seeking new applicants only, and they must respond to the attached Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, and if successful, they must then respond to an Invitation to Tender when this is subsequently released. If successful at the ITT stage they will be awarded a Framework place. As with all Frameworks there remains no guarantee of tasking opportunities or any level of throughput. The Authority has a developing requirement for the creation or adoption of a set of common standards and/or architecture for interfaces, data transfer and data management that can be used both for upgrades to legacy systems and future procurement to enable swift and simple interoperation of systems. It is expected that the work will involve experimentation and demonstrations of multi-domain integrated systems which may include autonomous and swarming technologies. The aims are broad and inclusive, and the Authority is seeking engagement from all areas of the industrial marketplace with relevant contributions to make. This requirement is considered to be particularly suitable for SMEs. The contractual mechanism will be a multi-supplier framework, with designated Lots for each technical specialism as well as Lots for more general supporting services, as described in this CN. Potential bidders are invited to register their interest in receiving an Invitation to Tender to join the framework by first completing the associated Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ). The Authority intends to invite all eligible companies who pass the PQQ to tender for the Framework. Note that while there is no down-selection to any specific numbers of bidders at this stage, only companies who can demonstrate relevance to the subject matter of the Lots within the Framework through their previous or existing portfolio of work (of which examples are requested via the PQQ) will pass the PQQ and be considered eligible to receive an Invitation to Tender at the next stage of the competition. Potential bidders may bid to join a single Lot or multiple Lots. As with any framework, whilst there can be no guarantee of any particular quantity of work being put through it, the Authority intends to conduct further mini-competitions to select successful framework contractors or collaborative teams of framework contractors within individual Lots or across a number of Lots in any combination, and expects that the work will be conducted progressively in spirals giving ongoing opportunities to many of the framework participants. The Lots will include, but may not be limited to, the following subject matter themes: Autonomous Platforms and Payload Integration Data Management and Fusion Machine Tasking and Decision Making System of System (SoS) Management, Integration and Implementation Comms Bearers, Network Architecture & Services Customer Advisory Network (may include but not be limited to sub-Lots eg Customer Friend (independent advisory role, NB: this Sub-Lot 6.2 role is filled and is not re-opening at this time), assurance, operationalisation, third party security testing, testing and evaluation).

Lot Division

CPV Codes

• 73410000 - Military research and technology

Indicators

• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Technical restrictions apply.

Other Information

The Authority expects that few single suppliers will be capable of taking on the breadth and scope of each piece of work and therefore collaboration will be required between suppliers in a competitive environment (collaborative team bids will be encouraged for mini-competitions). There will be no prime contractor. A Community of Interest for all framework participants will be established through which Working Groups will be held, led by the Authority, to analyse and propose next steps or further specific areas of interest under the Lotted themes. All framework participants will be required to contribute to the Working Groups according to their specialism. Feedback from the WG will be given to the Community of Interest (subject to security considerations). Intellectual Property generated under the framework taskings and its Community of Interest will be owned by the Authority under DEFCON 703. The Authority must ensure that where access is required to classified information in the course of any tasking or Working Group activity, then this access will only be granted to framework participants with suitable security clearance in place at the time a task is raised. Whilst a particular level of security clearance is not essential for initial entry to the framework following the Invitation to Tender process, the Authority reserves the right to refuse inclusion of any framework participant who does not possess the required clearance level at the time a mini-competition for a task is initiated or a classified Working Group is scheduled. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.