Request for Information - UK Lead-Lined X Ray Cell Capabilities

Dstl's Counter Terrorism and Security (CTS) Division (hereinafter referred to as the Authority), is investigating the availability of lead-lined X-ray cells within the United Kingdom which are critical to multiple capabilities in CTS. Access to an X-ray cell with sufficient radiation shielding is critical to ensuring our staff can maintain the Authority's capability to operate and test ionising radiation sources in a safe and secure way. The Authority is issuing this Request for Information to understand the availability of a lead-lined X-ray cell capability external to the Authority provided within the UK.

To assist the Authority, respondents to this RFI should provide:

• 1)Details of the facilities that are available for use, including the geographic location;
• 2)Detailed technical specifications in relation to undertaking Science & Technology activities, including but not limited to:
• a)the size(s) of the lead-lined cell and any adjoining control spaces (L x W x H),
• b)the thickness of lead lining in the cell walls, ceiling and door,
• c)details of existing safety engineering controls, e.g. interlocks, emergency stops,
• 3)Details of existing radiation sources operated in the cell (e.g. energy, current, pulsed or continuous,
• 4)Options for booking of facilities, including but not limited to:
• a)lead times for booking or accessing the facility,
• b)the potential availability of block booking arrangements,
• c)facility access and working hours,
• 5)If you have any working security classification levels, and
• 6)Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs for the use of a facility, on a unit basis and if any discount or economies are available.

The Authority is issuing this Request for Information to understand the capacity and capabilities of existing Lead-lined X-Ray Cell Capabilities within the United Kingdom, across both Industry and Academia, in particular whether your capabilities/capacity meet some/all of the requirements set out above.

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 X-Ray Cell Labs/Equipment.

We are looking for responses from economic operators who already have pre-existing Lead-lined X Ray Cell capability (and potential spare capacity) in the UK.