Supply of Antarctic Tractors

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is seeking to expand its overall capability in relation to scientific research activity, this specific requirement being to support its growing traverse operational capability. Appropriate new equipment is required for this purpose.

Prime Mover Tractors

BAS operates a small existing fleet of Prime Mover Tractors which will continue to play a significant role in overall operations, including traverse operations. Due to the expansion need it has a requirement to procure a number of new Tractors. This requirement is for two (2) tractors during calendar year 2016, followed by the potential for between 1 and 2 additional new tractors between the contracting period 2016 to 2021.

The tractors shall be provided complete with grooming blades and be capable of hauling a tractor train that can transport personnel, scientific equipment, material and fuel for overland traverses.

The primary function of these tractors will be to pull heavy loads (circa 35 metric tonnes) over long distances (circa 1000 Km) in an extreme environment of high altitudes and temperatures of up to minus 35 degrees Celsius. No power loss in higher altitudes will be preferable.

BAS requires the Tractors to have the following technical features, expressed as general and specific technical features. Should any provider consider that alternative technical features will achieve the primary function stated it should clearly state the alternative features proposed, complete with, supporting technical and performance information as to how this will be provided and assured.

Additional information: I would like to notify you that this procurement opportunity is currently live on Tenders Electronic Daily, a copy of the Notice is attached and, if you have not already taken the opportunity to register, instructions are detailed below on the process for registration and expression of interest via Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite. This procurement will be managed electronically via the Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite. To participate in this procurement, participants must first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite. If Bidders have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link ‘Register for CCS eSourcing’. Please note that, to register, Bidders must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@ccs.gsi.gov.uk. Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; the name of the registered supplier; the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk : Freephone: 0345 010 3503 email: supplier@ccs.gsi.gov.uk Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/supplier.aspx