Future Maritime Chemical Sensing (FMCS) RFI

Tender description

The United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking to acquire a Commercial of the Shelf (COTS) solution that can support surface naval systems in the detection of both; Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). The Anticipated Key User Requirements (KUR) of the FMCS system are that it shall: 1. The System shall be capable of detecting the full range of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) listed in the FMCS Threat List. 2. The System shall be capable of detecting the full range of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) listed in the FMCS TIC List. 3. The System is to be capable of indicating whether the chemical hazard level is increasing or decreasing, as well as when the hazard has ceased. 4. The System shall be capable of surviving operational conditions associated with use in a protected ship environment, expected to support operations in all naval environments that could be encountered worldwide. 5. The System is expected to be able to be retrofitted onto existing platforms with minimal impact to ship design and operations. This includes, but is not limited to, direct attachment to existing bulkhead fixtures as well as electrical and communication connections. 6. The System shall be designed in order to minimise maintenance activities required to be conducted on-board. Where possible, a modular design should be utilised allowing for spare components to be installed with minimal time burden to Ships Staff. Only those companies holding, or willing to obtain the Authority’s specified security levels will be allowed to participate in the project.