VIRTUS Re-Compete

Tender description

1. Introduction and Scope The Authority has a requirement for the ongoing supply, support and development of the VIRTUS integrated Soft body armour and load carriage system. The VIRTUS system focuses on 3 of the NATO soldier domains: survivability, mobility and sustainability. VIRTUS is the UK Armed Forces integrated Soft Body Armour, Helmet and Load Carriage system based on the soldier. VIRTUS comprises of a head and torso sub-system with integrated load carriage and a Quick Release (QR) mechanism, to allow escape from water, confined space or to allow rapid access to the body in an emergency. This notice is NOT for the procurement of the Head Sub System. The DE&S DCC Survivability Team intends to competitively assess, select and award a contract to deliver and support the Virtus Torso Sub System capability to all tri-service users including Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The Torso Sub System requirement is for all body armour and load carriage equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to scalable tactical vests, soft armour filler, extremity protection, bergens and pouches. The Contract shall also include the ability for the Authority to utilise Post Design Services (PDS) for the ongoing development of the system to ensure that it continues to provide optimal performance as technology develops and matures. There may also be a requirement within the Contract for the provision of training in the use of the VIRTUS system and for the refurbishment and disposal of VIRTUS items. The System needs to comply with MOD standards and policies for quality, safety and cyber amongst others. Full details shall be provided at the Invitation To Negotiate (ITN) stage of the competition. You may express your interest in this requirement by completing the Dynamic Pre Qualification Questionnaire