Project Wayfind

Tender description

The increase in the threat of GNSS denial and degradation, coupled with the use of UAVs within operational environments is focusing the MOD on the importance of using alternative sources of position, navigation & time, alongside GNSS. To be able to use these multiple different sources of PNT to generate a more trustworthy single estimate of position and time, it is necessary to use a PNT sensor fusion engine. Fusing different PNT sensors is not a new concept, but this contract will focus on being able to robustly test the performance of fusion engines, as well as adopting a common data standard for them, whilst seeking to also leverage performance improvements from strongly performing alternative PNT sensors. WAYFINDER is a Space Delivery Team owned project for a preferred supplier to develop and prove the performance of at least 2 multi-PNT-sensor fusion engines within at least 4 x 3-month spirals. There is a particular focus on improving Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation within environments where the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is degraded and/or denied. To achieve this objective, Space DT are seeking to let a contract with an industry partner who can: Quickly identify existing, potentially suitable PNT sensor fusion products and alternative PNT sensors. Collate and communicate detail surrounding their performance and availability. Organise, facilitate, and regularly repeat trials that can provide robust evidence of how the PNT sensor fusion products and individual sensors perform in a GNSS denied and degraded environment. Lead on fast-paced improvements to those PNT sensor fusion products, with the aim of providing fieldable technology through spiral development in approximately 3-month increments. A key focus for Space DT is on a PNT sensor fusion product that can quickly and easily operate on a range of UAVs in a variety of different environments, with different PNT sensors, i.e. using a common data standard such as All Source Position and Navigation (ASPN). Space Delivery Team intend to run a short-term contract (6-weeks) to an estimated 5 suppliers where the short-term contract will then be used to down select to 1 or more suppliers to enter into a full-term contract (between approximately 1-2 years). The Statement of Work for each contract will be provided via the DSP at the relevant times within the procurement. There will be no options within the short-term contract. The Authority may include Options to procure the items requested under the full-term contract which a decision will be made when the tender documents and relevant Statement of Works are released. The total value of the approximately 5-6 short-term contracts is intended to be approximately £1Million, to be split between the down selected suppliers and the total value of any full-term contracts is estimated to be approximately £9Million. The Wayfinder short-term contract will be run primarily at OFFICIAL with an option to use higher classification of information, if the preferred supplier is able to operate at that level of classification. The Cyber Risk Level for the short-term contract has been assessed as Not Applicable. As the Statement of Work for the main contract is still being finalised, the Cyber Risk Level for the main-contract will be identified and communicated at the appropriate point of industry engagement. The Risk Assessment Reference for the short-term contract is (RAR) 250121A09 A full description of the Cyber Risk levels is available at DEFSTAN 05-138. Potential Providers should make themselves familiar with the requirements against the profile assessment for this risk level. Lot 1: The increase in the threat of GNSS denial and degradation, coupled with the use of UAVs within operational environments is focusing the MOD on the importance of using alternative sources of position, navigation & time, alongside GNSS. To be able to use these multiple different sources of PNT to generate a more trustworthy single estimate of position and time, it is necessary to use a PNT sensor fusion engine. Fusing different PNT sensors is not a new concept, but this contract will focus on being able to robustly test the performance of fusion engines, as well as adopting a common data standard for them, whilst seeking to also leverage performance improvements from strongly performing alternative PNT sensors. WAYFINDER is a Space Delivery Team owned project for a preferred supplier to develop and prove the performance of at least 2 multi-PNT-sensor fusion engines within at least 4 x 3-month spirals. There is a particular focus on improving Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation within environments where the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is degraded and/or denied. To achieve this objective, Space DT are seeking to let a contract with an industry partner who can: Quickly identify existing, potentially suitable PNT sensor fusion products and alternative PNT sensors. Collate and communicate detail surrounding their performance and availability. Organise, facilitate, and regularly repeat trials that can provide robust evidence of how the PNT sensor fusion products and individual sensors perform in a GNSS denied and degraded environment. Lead on fast-paced improvements to those PNT sensor fusion products, with the aim of providing fieldable technology through spiral development in approximately 3-month increments. A key focus for Space DT is on a PNT sensor fusion product that can quickly and easily operate on a range of UAVs in a variety of different environments, with different PNT sensors, i.e. using a common data standard such as All Source Position and Navigation (ASPN). Space Delivery Team intend to run a short-term contract (6-weeks) to an estimated 5 suppliers where the short-term contract will then be used to down select to 1 or more suppliers to enter into a full-term contract (between approximately 1-2 years). The Statement of Work for each contract will be provided via the DSP at the relevant times within the procurement. There will be no options within the short-term contract. The Authority may include Options to procure the items requested under the full-term contract which a decision will be made when the tender documents and relevant Statement of Works are released. The total value of the approximately 5-6 short-term contracts is intended to be approximately £1Million, to be split between the down selected suppliers and the total value of any full-term contracts is estimated to be approximately £9Million. The Wayfinder short-term contract will be run primarily at OFFICIAL with an option to use higher classification of information, if the preferred supplier is able to operate at that level of classification. The Cyber Risk Level for the short-term contract has been assessed as Not Applicable. As the Statement of Work for the main contract is still being finalised, the Cyber Risk Level for the main-contract will be identified and communicated at the appropriate point of industry engagement. The Risk Assessment Reference for the short-term contract is (RAR) 250121A09 A full description of the Cyber Risk levels is available at DEFSTAN 05-138. Potential Providers should make themselves familiar with the requirements against the profile assessment for this risk level.