Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.
Closing date: 31 May 2024
Contract summary
Industry
Military research and technology - 73410000
Location of contract
Any region
Procurement reference
tender_435657/1350774
Published date
30 April 2024
Closing date
31 May 2024
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
No
Description
RFI0039 - RN Modular/Containerised ASW Concepts
This RFI is not a bidding opportunity but a means by which industry can provide information. Any resulting procurement activity will be conducted competitively.
The Royal Navy is seeking to gain information from Industry as to Remote or Autonomous Anti-Submarine Warfare SENSING capabilities that could be hosted within a Modular/Containerised 20ft ISO (or series of ISO containers) for deployment from a Common Medium sized Uncrewed Surface Vessel (C-MUSV ~40M vessel). Note this is NOT an RFI for the vessel/platform itself.
Responses (White Papers) of no more than 5 pages are requested explaining the sensor or sensors and ancillary equipment which could be deployed (remotely or autonomously). Specifically, the RN is seeking to understand acoustic ASW solutions that are 'Frigate-lite' in capability parameters, it should be noted that unlike ASW Frigates, the host USV may not be acoustically quietened or clad. Alternative Non-Acoustic sensing options are also of interest but would need to represent a detection capability equal to current active/passive detection ranges or would need to be hosted complimentary to an acoustic solution.
Where possible an indication of Technology Readiness Level, Detection Ranges (against indicative SSK/SSN like threats), likely Integration requirements with the host platform, C2 requirements (ashore or afloat to conduct 'Process Exploitation and Dissemination' of the data) and very ROM costs would be useful as well as indicative timeline to deliver a potential demonstrator.
Please complete Annex A of the attached document.
Please note:
This RFI is an information gathering exercise, no further discussions with industry are planned at this stage however any future procurement activity will be advertised in line with public procurement regulations on the Defence Sourcing Portal and Contracts Finder.