Design, Manufacture, Training and Support of Specialist Dive Sets

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) Delivery Team (DT) have a requirement for design, manufacture, training and support of a Multi-Role Rebreather (MRR) diver breathing apparatus to support long endurance diving operations.

The introduction of new underwater mobility assets has highlighted the limitations of current in-service underwater breathing apparatus that were not procured to support current or emerging capability, and other associated dive tasks.

The Authority requires a UK prime supplier to design, manufacture and deliver a MRR over an approximate 5-7 year contract including option years. The following is provided for information.

High-level system parameters:

Sub-surface endurance of 3 to 12 hours.

Transit depth ~6m up to 10m, short excursions to 30m.

Stow the prepared equipment easily

Rapidly re-role for repeat operations

Modular design allowing flexibility for operations including:

• Use of propulsion equipment up to 3 knots

• Extended periods of swimming

Streamline, compact equipment

Efficient resource use

Technical considerations:

Fully digital electronic, open architecture, digital sensor based, closed circuit diver breathing system with built in safety and resource monitoring algorithms.

Upgradable sensor systems and monitoring algorithms throughout the life of the capability.

Track record of designing, developing and testing diver breathing apparatus to military requirements/standards.

Diver breathing apparatus development and test facilities to the Requirements of BS EN 14143.

Oxygen clean room assembly and maintenance facilities.

Ability to manufacture at scale and provide the Quality Assurance processes to support a military diver breathing apparatus capability.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This PIN serves to inform potential suppliers of the intention to hold an Industry Day. If you are interested in attending, please submit expressions of interest to desshipscomrcl-salmo-multiuser@mod.gov.uk by Friday 22nd March 2024.

Tentative date (subject to change):

Industry day - April/May 2024

For the avoidance of doubt, this notice is not a call for competition. Any comments, indications of interest, participation, or non-participation by any organisation at this stage will not influence the process, selection and/or award decision for any future possible procurement, nor will it be taken as a supplier's committed position. Non-participation in the Industry Day will not exclude you from any possible future competition for this requirement.