VIRTUS Re-Compete

A Prior Information Notice
by MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Future Contract (Supply)
Duration
not specified
Value
___
Sector
MISCELLANEOUS
Published
29 Nov 2023
Delivery
not specified
Deadline
n/a

Concepts

Location

Bristol

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

1 buyer

Description

The VIRTUS soldier system is a comprehensive system of integrated combat and protective gear developed by Source to cope with the challenges and needs of the modern infantry soldier in today's battlefield. It is the world's first integrated load carriage and protection system.

Lot Division

1 Torso Sub System

Virtus Torso Sub System - This will be a Build To Print solution with Technical Data Packs provided by the Authority.
2 Head Sub System

Head Sub System - This will be a requirements based specification provided by the Authority.

CPV Codes

  • 18143000 - Protective gear
  • 18931100 - Rucksacks
  • 18934000 - Kitbags
  • 18936000 - Textile bags
  • 33735100 - Protective goggles
  • 35113400 - Protective and safety clothing
  • 35811300 - Military uniforms
  • 35812200 - Combat suits
  • 35812300 - Combat gear
  • 35813100 - Helmet covers
  • 35815100 - Bullet-proof vests
  • 18444110 - Helmets

Indicators

  • Restrictions apply to the lot award allocation.

Other Information

On the 18th January 2023 the Authority issued information regarding the Torso Sub-System (TSS) and Head Sub-System (HSS) lots for the VIRTUS Re-Compete project. Since this date, and the subsequent industry engagement, the Authority has been developing both the project and competitions and we are now happy to be able to provide a short update. As noted previously, the VIRTUS Re-Compete project will deliver the system through two separate contracts, the Torso Sub-System (TSS) being Specification based i.e. built to print, and the Head Sub-System (HSS) based on a Requirements set. However, the Authority has replanned its approach to the delivery of the project in response to changes in the approval pathway and other pressures. Our new intent is to stagger the competitions of the TSS and HSS instead of running the competitions in parallel. This approach will enable us to bring the TSS to market earlier and will allow us to develop the requirement set for the HSS more effectively. Also, due to the changes in the approval pathway, the DPQQ and ITN stages of each competition will now occur in quick succession. The Authority estimates that the Contract Notice for the TSS will be published in Q3 2024, launching a competition with an initial DPQQ followed by an ITN issue estimated in Q4 2024. Note. Dates are subject to change as the project continues to develop and as the team manage the wider portfolio workload and departmental priorities. The Authority estimates that the Contract Notice for the HSS will be published in Q1 2025, launching a competition with an initial DPQQ followed by an ITN issue estimated in Q2 2025. Note. Dates are subject to change as the project continues to develop and as the team manage the wider portfolio workload and departmental priorities. The Authority plans to hold industry engagement events prior to the release of both the TSS and HSS Contract Notices though will not publish specific timings for those at this time. Thank you for your continued interest in the Virtus Re-Compete

Reference

Domains