Innovative solutions for Spectrum Sharing within Defence

Tender description

Summary of the work 1) Identify the benefits and risks of operating in a dynamic spectrum access environment for Defence. 2) Identify new ways of sharing through innovation. 3) Undertake technical analysis and feasibility studies of the impact into Defence capabilities from innovation. 4) Work in the professional networks Defence has built. Expected Contract Length 31/03/2018 Latest start date Friday 20 October 2017 Budget Range Not to exceed £900k (Ex VAT) Why the Work is Being Done Defence is the main contributor to the Public Sector Spectrum Release programme (PSSR) by making MOD managed electromagnetic spectrum available for use by the private sector. Defence has already released spectrum for commercial use and in order to identify further opportunities Defence is looking for innovative methods of spectrum sharing whilst ensuring no detrimental impact to Defence capabilities, negating the need for costly remediation. Defence has already initiated contact with other Defence Departments and technology companies and the intent is to bring all of this work together toward a solution to enable efficient use of Defence managed spectrum. Problem to Be Solved To identify new and innovative ways of sharing Defence managed spectrum, while understanding what aspects MOD capabilities require for protection, including areas of operation, temporal characteristics and power levels. Investigate prevailing innovative techniques to support dynamic spectrum access both in the Commercial and Battlespace environment. Have the ability to demonstrate to the sharer, both Defence and Commercial, any tolerable impact when operating in the same spectrum while using new and innovative methods. Who Are the Users All Services within Defence use spectrum for very different requirements in the Land, Sea and Air environments. When sharing spectrum no users should suffer or cause interference. Early Market Engagement A number of feasibility studies have been undertaken to look at the protection required when operating co and adjacent channel with LTE technologies. Defence also commissioned a piece of work to look at Military White Space this will support, but not form, the baseline for innovation work. Work Already Done A number of feasibility studies have been undertaken to look at the protection required when operating co and adjacent channel with LTE technologies. Defence also commissioned a piece of work to look at Military White Space this will support, but not form, the baseline for innovation work. Existing Team The team currently has 4 FTE committed to Defence Release and Sharing with access to a virtual team drawn from Policy Professionals and the Defence Joint Spectrum Authority. Current Phase Discovery Skills & Experience • the supplier must have previous experience of offering services in the public sector spectrum environment of 5+ years • the supplier must have List X premises • the supplier must provide evidence of its ability to undertake technical analysis of spectrum using capabilities both in written and pictorial format • the supplier must provide evidence that it can undertake capability impact assessments • the supplier must have experience in reviewing world-wide products that offer spectrum efficiency currently undergoing R&D • the supplier must have experience of spectrum management/radio spectrum planning of 5+ years • the supplier must demonstrate an understanding of the UK Spectrum Management Governance regime • the supplier must have experience of fostering relationships outside its own company of 3+ years Work Location Main Building, London Other government departments in London May be a requirement to attend meetings and events at other locations in the UK on occasion Working Arrangments The successful contractor will undertake the majority of work at their own location. Any analysis must be undertaken at a List X building. Visits will be required as part of network building any T&S costs must be included in the proposal. Security Clearance Those undertaking the technical analysis must have DV Clearance in place prior to the contract starting due to the capabilities and information the team are required to have access to. Additional T&Cs Defence information must only be analysed and stored at a List X establishment. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria • the proposed approach and methodology • how the supplier has identified risk and dependencies and the approaches to manage them • how the communication between all stakeholders will be managed • team structure • value for money Cultural Fit Criteria • how the supplier shares knowledge and experience • how the supplier works with other people • • how the supplier solves problems Payment Approach Fixed price Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 74% Cultural fit 6% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Our company has considerable and on-going experience in developing and delivering spectrum planning tools to the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl) - these tools and our experience have direct relevance to fulfilling the requirement. We have not, however, been doing this work for the 5+ years required in the Skills & Experience section of the requirement. Clarification is requested as to why this apparently arbitrary period is relevant to the delivery of the project, particularly as it reduces the potential supplier base and thereby restricts competition. This requirement is wider than developing and delivering spectrum planning tools as we look to learn from a mature understanding of the spectrum market both internal and external to Defence. The innovation we seek can only come from an extensive understanding of the progress made within release and sharing activities over the past ten years.