Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance

Tender description

The Provision of Close Air Support and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Emulation for Training Branch, HQ Field Army. The Provision of Close Air Support and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Emulation for Training Branch, HQ Field Army. The general scope of the contract requires a contractor who is able to emulate UK and other Nations' CAS and ISR platforms, aircrew tactics and procedures for Training Branch training events in the UK and Kenya. Key to the value of the service will be the Contractor's ability to: a. Operate in accordance with current policy governing CAS, ISR, Battlespace Management (BM) and Joint Fires Integration (JFI). b. Emulate voice procedure and tactics for NATO operated CAS and ISR platforms. c. Accurately simulate weapon delivery profiles for air-surface guided (missiles/bombs) and unguided (strafe) weapons. d. Maintain a working knowledge of other NATO air-surface weapons. e. Provide a Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) ‘Detect, Recognise, Identify and Target’ capability via a bi-directional FMV datalink with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) via means compatible with in-service FMV transceiver systems using NET-T and/or US Joint Staff J6 Digitally-Aided CAS (DaCAS) Engineering Change Proposal #3 (Marked Still Imagery) protocols (ECP 3). Downlinked FMV must be viewable on the full range of in-Service FMV receivers. Uplinked imagery must be viewable in the cockpit by the pilot and/or sensor operator. f. Operate Digitally-Aided CAS systems and tactics in accordance with the latest version of the Variable Message Format (VMF) Documentation Set (VDS). The pilot and/or sensor operator must be able to establish and maintain a bi-directional VMF datalink with the JTAC and view, acknowledge and transmit digital messages accordingly. g. Adhere to Joint Air Land Organisation (JALO) accreditation procedures (accreditation takes place after contract award). The successful bidder shall demonstrate they are able to achieve accreditation within 3 months of contract award. h. Have a thorough working knowledge of CAS and ISR requesting and reporting formats and mission briefs. i. Have a thorough working knowledge of and apply UK Air Command and Control (C2) tactics and procedures. j. Operate with and use Defence generated cryptographic material. k. Provide a Liaison Officer (LO) to any unit/location being supported by the contractor, provide a Crypto Custodian, Security Officer and Flight Safety Officer to support the management of contract delivery. l. Operate with firm prices in the UK and Kenya as a minimum, but to also be able to operate elsewhere internationally (primarily within Europe) if required. m. Contribute to the continuous improvement of exercise design and conduct. n. Comply with National Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations including possession of current certificates of aircraft registration, airworthiness and insurance. o. Operate a manned fixed-wing aircraft capable of at least 3 hours endurance on station, excluding transit to and from the respective training area.