UK SBS PR18048 UKRI Framework for the Purchase of Autonomous Underwater Gliders and Surface Vehicles and Associated Equipment

Tender description

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS IS 26th JULY 2019 AT 14:00 BST. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE BUYER DIRECTLY. MARS is the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems group within the National Marine Facilities Directorate based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. Within UKRI, the MARS glider group and the AUV Operational and Development groups exist to provide and to operate propeller-driven Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), gliders and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for the British oceanographic science community. MARS currently supports all USVs and AUVs in the National Marine Equipment pool (NMEP). Operation and maintenance of all vehicles in the NMEP may be by MARS, by the user or by a combination of the two, depending upon manpower and resources available. They will remain the responsibility of MARS nonetheless. Purchases in the future will be to maintain, enhance and supplement the UKRI fleet and will include loss replacement and sensor development. MARS, other UKRI institutes, affiliates and universities have personnel that are currently trained in the use and maintenance of the vehicles. Any new vehicle or vehicle type must offer the option of full training in use and maintenance. Institutes, affiliates and universities that do not operate their own vehicles rely on MARS to prepare them, and MARS or the network of institutes, affiliates and universities to pilot them. This framework contract is to enable UKRI and MARS to purchase new and replacement vehicles, as well as components, spares, parts, sensors, batteries, calibrations and training to fulfil this role. The Framework consists of: • Lot 1 - Underwater Fleet Gliders. Up to six suppliers. • Lot 2 - Long Range Surface Vehicles (USV). Up to six suppliers. • Lot 3 - Short range Surface Vehicle (USV). Up to six suppliers. • Lot 4 - Micro AUVs. Up to six suppliers. The contract will be for an initial period of 2 years with the option to extend for a further 12 months x 2 (2 + 1 + 1). The value of the Contract is £3m for the initial 2 year core contract, and £3m for the further 1 + 1 year duration.