GB-High Wycombe: Enabling Contract for the Provision of Link 16 Advance and Network Design Training for UK JDLMO

1. The requirement is a Firm Price Enabling Contract for two (2) Years (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2017) with a further two (2) One Year Options (1 April 2017 – 31 March 2018 & 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019).

2. The UK Joint Data Link Management Organisation (JDLMO) is the sole UK authority on the planning, design, coordination, management and execution of data links activities in support of National, NATO and Coalition operations within the UK and Out of Area. To deliver these outputs the JDLMO is dependant on extremely specialized and highly qualified staff within the data link domain. To ensure that its personnel have these necessary skill sets the JDLMO provides a variety of training tailored to meet its particular requirements.

The JDLMO mission is achieved through three distinct areas. Firstly, the Network Design Cell (NDC) who are responsible for collating Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) from the Link 16 participants and achieving the complex task of designing a network and allocating timeslots accordingly that meet these IERs. In addition the NDC is also responsible for converting network designs from other design facilities for use by UK platforms. Secondly, the Plans department, made up of long term plans and short term plans are responsible for production of the weekly Op Task Link (OTL) signal, JTIDS Forecast Activity report JFAR and JTIDS Co-ordination Message (JCM) as well applying for Clearance to Operate (CTO) and Clearance to Radiate (CTR) for all UK platforms participating in overseas exercises utilising Link 16. Finally, the Network Management Cell (NMC) who are responsible for the day to day running of the UK Link 16 Networks as well as policing the UK Frequency Clearance Agreement (FCA) on behalf of the CAA. In addition, the NMC provides a deployable capability to be able to dynamically manage Link 16 Networks in a theatre of operations.

3. The requirement is for an enabling contract to deliver up to 15 days of Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT) Compliant TDL training per year which will include;

 The first 3 days will comprise Link 16 Advance Training and will accommodate up to 30 students per day.

 This will be followed by 12 days of Network Design, Planning and Management training and will accommodate up to 12 students per day.

 The contractor shall provide the necessary resources including training notes and stationary. The training will be delivered at RAF High Wycombe or another facility deemed appropriate by the JDLMO.

 In addition extra training amounting to up to an additional 20% on top of the 15 Training days (i.e. 3 days) to allow the delivered training to evolve to meet the JDLMO’s emerging training requirements and on a "continuous improvement" basis iaw DSAT quality system i.e post course evaluation.

4. In the event of a high number of Expressions of Interest a possible Pre-Qualification Questionnaire may be used.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement, and the contract will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.