710022461 - MSS/109 - Lifejackets, Buoyancy Aids and Flotation Devices

Life Jackets, Buoyancy Aids and Flotation Devices

MOD has a requirement for the provision of Life Jackets, Buoyancy Aids and Flotation Devices.

In 2021 the MOD undertook industry engagement activity for "Project Talbot". Since this time the MOD has undertaken a review of the requirements of the Armed Forces and is introducing Category Management principles into procurement activities. This is to enable the MOD / Defence to work more collaboratively with industry and have an aligned market facing approach.

This requirement seeks innovation from Civilian and Tactical Life Jacket, buoyancy aid and flotation device suppliers to deliver a Defence requirement. The requirement is to deliver Civilian and Tactical Life Jackets, buoyancy aids and Flotation devices to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy and their stakeholder community. This may be delivered through existing equipment or working collaboratively with Defence to design and develop a new generation of equipment.

All equipment shall require in-service support which includes repair / maintenance activities, obsolescence, and supply chain management. The Tactical equipment shall be adaptable to evolve and meet operational requirements whilst ensuring compatibility with body armour and all associated combative equipment. Any design should avoid focus on a single user group by implementing the concept of modularity and cross system integration. Ingress and egress from vehicles and aircraft will need consideration and designs to demonstrate the requisite competences as an organisation to fulfil these requirements.

Embodiment of any new solution is expected to require training to update the users. Water Safety Equipment maintainer courses shall be required. Training courses will consist of operators and maintainers to ensure they are adequately informed of the impact of any modifications.

This requirement is divisible into Lots in the event a single contractor is unable to meet and deliver both requirements for Civilian and Tactical Flotation devices. The market is invited to provide innovation in the delivery of this requirement.

The anticipated Contract term is 5 years to include irrevocable costed option periods.

You must not take this announcement to mean confirmation that MOD shall award a contract for this requirement. The MOD is publishing this announcement without any commitment to issue a tender or place a contract. Accordingly, any expenditure, work or effort undertaken before contract award is a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers

For the purposes of Cyber Security, this requirement has been assessed as Low Risk.

Interested parties should express their interest via this email address: DESShipsMSS-MaST-SaBP@mod.gov.uk

Please find below the Link to the Defence Sourcing Opportunity and DPQQ: https://www.contracts.mod.uk/go/52370566018D31DB6ED2