700720368 - DEVELOPING THE UNDERSTANDING TO OPTIMISE DATA LINKS IN LAND INFORMATION MANOEUVRE

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done To commission a study that will look to capture the network integration challenges and opportunities for datalink-enabled capabilities in the Land Domain. This will enable the development of a coherent strategy to their achievement. The study will specifically look at linkages across Land Forces and between Land and other Joint environments (including multi-national) to enhance Shared Situational Awareness and communications to maximise Land Information Manoeuvre. Although not defining linkages to initiatives including LE TacCIS, ZODIAC and NIOBE specifically, the study will highlight touch points and the challenges and opportunities of such interactions. Problem to Be Solved The main question for the study will be to "Develop the understanding needed to optimise datalinks in Land Information Manoeuvre" and the main areas to be explored and understood are: • Baseline current platforms (comms capabilities and implementation details - Voice and Data) particularly with AH-64E. • Network Integration challenges and opportunities for datalink enabled capabilities in the LD – including LEAPP/GBAD, AH64E, CH47, Lightning II, Digital CAS, Armed UAS, Shadow and future AFVs. • Review emerging programmes (e.g LETacCIS, LEISTAR, LEAPP, NIOBE and how they may be integrated to support overall data flow improvements). • Apache data links – opportunities in comms/networking architectures and concept dev/exploitation. • Understand immediate Priorities for platform/capability integration. Who Are the Users The study is looking to highlight how Tactical Data Links can be optimised to provide utility for future forces when deployed in the land domain. This evidence will provide programme staff within LETacCIS the information required to ensure an informed decision can be made for future tactical data link strategies that will feed into equipment programmes. Early Market Engagement Work Already Done There has been work completed by MoD on Tactical Data links for Air and Navy assets but as yet nothing for their optimisation within the Land Domain. Existing Team The selected Partner will be working with MOD Military Staff Officers, MoD Crown Servants and independent contractors that are already working within AHQ and Defence Digital. Current Phase Not applicable Work Location Army HQ is based at Andover. However, provided List X status is held and access to suitably cleared CIS up to Official-Sensitive including RLI-email access can be guaranteed, Army HQ are not prescriptive about where the work should be undertaken. There will, though, be a need to attend meetings at Army HQ and possibly DE&S Abbey Wood and Defence Digital Corsham to meet with specific platform/capability specialists. This can be done remotely if social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. T&S will be paid on receipted actuals and in compliance with MoD Policy, no other expenses are permitted. Working Arrangments Expected to be a minimum of 3 days per week working with C4I Cap Dev and their stakeholders. Meetings as required at Army HQ and/or DE&S /Defence Digital. Security Clearance SC clearance is required for all resources representing or provided by the supplier. The Authority will not sponsor SC or DV clearance. Clearances must be in place from the start of any contract and remain valid for the duration. Additional T&Cs DEFCON 5J (Edn 18/11/16) Unique Identifiers, DEFCON 76 (Edn 12/06) Contractors on site, DEFCON 129J (Edn 18/11/16) Electronic business Delivery Form, DEFCON 513 (Edn 11/16) Value Added Tax, DEFCON 516 (Edn 04/12) Equality, DEFCON 518 (Edn 02/17) Transfer, DEFCON 531 (Edn 11/14) Disclosure of Information, DEFCON 534 (Edn 06/17) Subcontracting/Prompt Payment, DEFCON 537 (Edn 06/02) Rights of Third Parties, DEFCON 550 (Edn 02/14) Child Labour/Employment Law, DEFCON 566 (Edn 12/18) Change of control of contractor, DEFCON 642 (Edn 06/14) Progress meetings, DEFCON 658 (Edn 10/17) Cyber, DEFCON 694 (Edn 07/18) Accounting for Property of the Authority Skills & Experience Deep technical knowledge of NATO standardised Tactical Data Links and their current or planned integration with LAND or related platforms.(5%) Operational experience in the use of Tactical Data Links in UK national and Coalition contexts for SSA and support to LAND.(5%) Knowledge and experience of design, modelling and management of TDL network implementation for diverse, dispersed and terrain-obscured platforms.(5%) Thorough understanding of current&proposed use of TDLs in LAND including LEAPP/GBAD, Rotary Wing, Fast Jet support, Digitally aided CAS, Armed UAS, Special User airborne ISR and future AFVs. (5%) Detailed technical knowledge of Link 16 Modernization impact and implications.(2.5%) Knowledge of NATO and US ISTAR Data Links and their current or planned integration with LAND or related platforms.(2.5%) Good knowledge of progression to BLOS Space-enabled Link 16; developments, architectures and employment. (2.5%) Detailed knowledge and experience of the implications of Cyber activities in a TDL-enabled force; offensive employment and CONOPS.(2.5%) Nice to Haves Knowledge of evolving LAND LETacCIS systems including NIOBE and MORPHEUS. (2.5%) Knowledge of evolving concepts and technical specifications for future data link technologies.(2.5%) Knowledge of current operations and threats to LAND Information Manoeuvre that can be mitigated by greater integration of platforms and formations using TDLs.(2.5%) Experience of military staff work. (1.25%) Experience of business case development. (1.25%) No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Provide a high level plan to your approach, with an understanding of workpackage content to ensure the quality of outcomes. (2.5%). Provide core team structure and CVs of team members who could be part of the service (2.5%) Explain how you plan to mobilise the team quickly and retain key resources for the duration of the contract (2%) Evidence your ability to flex up and down resources to meet the demand of the requirement during different phases, whilst ensuring quality and consistency throughout (1%) Evidence your commitment to quality of the deliverables, outcomes and experience of the resources, and rapid remediation/replacement if an issue occurs (1%) Identify the risks and dependencies associated with this requirement and potential mitigations (1%) Cultural Fit Criteria Able to communicate effectively with staff, technical SMEs and senior management to identify pragmatic solutions to problems within a resource constrained environment. (2.5%) Recent proven experience of an open, transparent and collaborative working relationship at all levels with excellent communication and co-ordination skills when conducting daily stand-ups, team meetings, presentation and demonstrations. (2.5%) Demonstrate an ability and willingness to work collaboratively within a multi-vendor delivery environment to achieve outcomes. (2.5%) Demonstrate an ability and willingness to challenge the status-quo with a no blame culture and encourage people to learn from their mistakes. (2.5%) Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method Work history Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 10% Price 40% Questions from Suppliers Budget range