Explosives detection system

Tender description

Introduction Defence Strategic Direction 2016 stated that UK Armed Forces must expect to be continuously engaged in the UK and overseas in deterring potential adversaries, reassuring our allies and supporting stability. A key element to underpin this is Defence Engagement (DE) activities which are now funded, core tasks. The UK is a leader in Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOD&S). Consequently, UK capabilities are in demand and often requests outstrip supply leading to missed opportunities to satisfy the National Security Objectives: Protection, promotion and prosperity. The MoD is considering options for the future delivery of DE capabilities. These options draw on the Whole Force Approach concept to meet the current and future demands of the UK Government. This PIN is issued to commence a process aimed at obtaining the views of Industry of the viability for the options under consideration (‘soft market testing’). Background The Defence EOD&S (DEODS) Branch manages the delivery of coherent, appropriately assured, well integrated and sustained, EOD&S Capability to Defence, in order to support wider C-IED Institutionalisation. In its role coordinating EOD&S DE activity, it has identified that demand exceeds supply and consequently UK Government is unable to fully deliver against its aspirations. In order to achieve the intent of delivering world class EOD&S DE supplementing current capacity, it may be necessary to explore new options which could include a Whole Force Approach (WFA) blending military and Industry assets. Future delivery models will require a high-degree of agility and flexibility to respond to the changing international political landscape and enable appropriate reaction to strategic shock and emerging threats in UK geographical areas of interest or influence. The development of courses of action is now at a sufficiently mature stage where meaningful Industry engagement can take place to ensure that any offering is fit for purpose, attractive to UK Industry and confirms feasibility of progressing to an Initial Operating Capability. Scope of Options A number of non-exhaustive options have been scoped and require refinement for opportunities when the military cannot meet the requirements. These include: 1. A call off contract with a single supplier selected following a competition to be contracted solely as and when an Industry DE opportunity is confirmed. 2. An established joint MoD and Industry Programme Office (whose function is to manage and oversee the DE EOD&S / C-IED DE activity) which will conduct procurement action through a bespoke framework (containing a number of pre-qualified suppliers) as and when an Industry DE opportunity is confirmed. 3. An established MoD Programme Office (whose function is to manage and oversee the DE EOD&S / C-IED DE activity) which will conduct procurement action through a bespoke framework (containing a number of pre-qualified suppliers) as and when an Industry DE opportunity is confirmed. Soft Market Testing Process The aim of the soft market testing is to: 1. Identify if a viable market exists for the provision of contracted DE capability. 2. Examine options for delivery from Industry's perspective and share the UK government's view. 3. Identify the most suitable methods of delivering the identified requirements. 4. Examine the most suitable structure for commercial arrangement(s) and duration(s) to maximise the realisation of benefits. 5. Identify challenges and risks that both MoD and the industry would face in implementing the options and ideas for mitigation. The soft market testing will be structured around an Industry event that will be held in Tidworth Garrison's Theatre on 5.7.16 commencing at 13:30. This event will provide background, context and detail requirements and expectations. It will also provide an opportunity to provide clarification to any questions that are in scope. The Authority may then, at its sole discretion, and a later date(s) to be determined, invite a cross selection of industry representatives to explore the options in more detail. The output of this particular aspect will be documented and shared with industry. DEODS are particularly interested in seeking views from organisations with expertise in: — Delivery of capability through joint industry / government management; — Delivery of EOD&S and/or C-IED capability overseas, including training provision; — Programme Management functions. This soft market exercise is not, either in totality or in part, an invitation for participants to generate or submit a tender for business to the Authority. In issuing this PIN and engaging with the market, there is no commitment to carry out any procurement in relation to the options being explored. Indeed, the soft market testing may indicate that none of the options being considered are suitable for further exploration. Non-participation in this soft market testing exercise will not be taken into account in any future procurement activity. — If you wish to attend the Industry Day then please inform Army Commercial Team (Contact details as above) by 27.6.16 including full business details including company registration number (if relevant), individuals' names, nationality and vehicle registration.