Request for Information - UK Anechoic Chamber Capabilities

Dstl's Counter Terrorism and Security (CTS) Division (hereinafter referred to as the Authority), is investigating the availability of Anechoic Chambers within the United Kingdom which are critical to multiple capabilities in CTS.

The chambers themselves are critical to ensuring our staff can operate in a safe and secure way by:

• ensuring operational equipment can be tested without impedance from outside signals;
• protecting the outside world from interference caused by our equipment
• ensuring that Dstl conduct research and operations in a manner compliant with UK legislation (Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006).

The Authority is issuing this Request for Information to understand what facilities are available for use, together with associated detailed technical specifications in relation to undertaking Science & Technology in this area with external providers within the UK.

The Authority is also interested in options for booking use of available facilities, with details such as access times, block booking possibilities and working security classification levels - if any.

Specifications may include (but not limited to): a) Anechoic chamber location b) Internal available working size of anechoic chamber (L x W x H) c) Door size and turntable diameter d) Frequency operating range e.g 30MHz to 40GHz e) Cost of use of facility f) Operating security level of facility

The Authority is seeking responses from economic operators that cover/provide information on your capacity and capability in respect of the above requirements. Information you provide to us in response to this RFI, that is not already available to us from other sources, will be handled in-confidence. By submitting a response to this RFI you are giving us permission to keep and use the information for our internal purposes, and to provide the information onwards, in-confidence, within UK Government. We will not use or disclose the information for any other purpose, without first requesting permission to do so. This RFI is not a commitment to subsequently launch a formal procurement procedure thereafter.

Additional information:

Economic Operators are requested to note that the Authority is not seeking manufacturers or suppliers of Anechoic Chambers.

We are looking for responses from economic operators who already have pre-existing Anechoic Chamber capability (and potential spare capacity) in the UK.