Flexible Tactical Uncrewed Air System (FTUAS) - Navy UCR

Tender description

The requirement is for the provision of a number of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and ancillaries under a Military Owned Military Operated (MOMO) arrangement to be delivered to the Royal Navy (RN) and Integrated onto a Naval Warship, to provide the RN with a Flexible Tactical Uncrewed Air System (FTUAS) Urgent Capability Requirement (UCR) for RN forward presence shipping to counter Crewed and Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in an operational theatre. The requirement will also require the Contractor to provide a FTUAS system at a UK Royal Navy Air Station, technical information, through life support, as well as the provision of training for operators and maintainers. The requirement is for a capability to FIND, FIX, TRACK and ASSESS Fast Inshore Attack Craft, Crewed and Uncrewed, operating alone, in large numbers. It is anticipated that the solution will permanently embark on a Naval Warship to provide a persistent, intimate, integrated and assured capability. The ability to operate at sufficient range from its parent ship to facilitate timely decision making is anticipated as is the need for a Maritime Surface Surveillance Radar to satisfactorily deliver “FIND”. It is anticipated that the equipment will be in service for a period of 24 months from the date of the delivery of the initial operating capability (IOC), with options including a Contract extension up to an additional 24 months, subject to Ministry of Defence approval. Lot 1: There are a number of Key Principles, which the Authority believe the Contractor and its supply chain will need to be able to fulfil, in order for the FTUAS solution to be able to operate effectively. These Key Principles include: 1. The ability to supply a Rotary Wing Air Vehicle able to operate embarked within the constraints posed by a Naval Warship, with integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (including a Maritime Surface Surveillance Radar), and the Air System being able to supply / disseminate / process information in the format designated for the Combat Management System, all to be delivered within the programme timescales. 2. The successful solution will most likely be a mature system, possibly with some civil approvals and need little adaptation or modification (e.g. COTS / MOTS) to meet the requirement and be deployable in the operational theatre at sea. 3. Hold ISO9001 or AS9100 accreditation or equivalent 4. The ability to immediately engage with the Authority at the correct classification of Security, manage this information securely, manage export controls appropriately, and supply personnel security cleared to the appropriate level. There will be a requirement for the Contractor to occasionally deploy Field Service Representatives (FSRs) / trainers to embark on the vessel to provide short term support. Depending on the nature of operations, deployment of the FSR may need to be governed by policy and processes in line with Contractors on Deployed Operations (CONDO). There may be a requirement for the chosen supplier to transfer the equipment to a different class of Naval Warship in an emergency situation / unforeseen circumstance.