710679450 - Design, Manufacture, Training and Support of Specialist Dive Sets

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 …@mod.gov.uk.

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