TWiSTED Phases 2 & 3

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), part of the UK Ministry of Defence intends to award a Single Source Non-Qualifying Defence Contract valued at up to £1,000,000.00 (EX VAT) with Xi Systems Limited ("the Contractor") to carry out additional research and development services and supplies on TWiSTED Phases 2 & 3, whereby the research requirement seeks to replace traditional magnetically operated changeover reed switches, often used as the main power control mechanism for a range of plastic enclosed operational equipment used in support to operations in challenging operational scenarios. Phase 1 successfully delivered a miniaturised solution in FY22/23. The Phase 2 & 3 research objective is focused on further enhancement to the capability by conducting research to increasing the operational range and upgrading the power handling capability of the switch. Subject to successful further development the Authority may procure a limited quantity of prototype systems.

It is considered that this Contract can be placed using the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Publication of a contract notice pursuant to Regulation 16(1)(c) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for the provision of Research and Development services, to which these Regulations apply. Any prototype systems to be purchased under this contract are not pre-production prototypes, and are to be manufactured solely for the purposes of research and development and are not being purchased for quantity production to establish commercial viability or to recover research and development costs.

This proposed new contract will enable the Authority to ensure continued access to research and development services which enable exploitation of the Phase 1 system, including support of the Phase 1 system so that it can be exploited through rapid response tasks (RRTs) delivered through Dstl. Research and Development services are forecast to include technical services to research and resolve bug fixes, app maintenance and software and firmware updates. Research and Development services shall further look into the operational capability and feasibility in the context of next generation capability to ensure continued improvement.