The Procurement and In-Service Support for the Virtus Re-Compete Torso Sub System

1. Introduction and Scope

The Authority has a requirement for the ongoing supply, support and development of the VIRTUS integrated Soft body armour and load carriage system.

The VIRTUS system focuses on 3 of the NATO soldier domains: survivability, mobility and sustainability. VIRTUS is the UK Armed Forces integrated Soft Body Armour, Helmet and Load Carriage system based on the soldier. VIRTUS comprises of a head and torso sub-system with integrated load carriage and a Quick Release (QR) mechanism, to allow escape from water, confined space or to allow rapid access to the body in an emergency.

This notice is NOT for the procurement of the Head Sub System.

The DE&S DCC Survivability Team intends to competitively assess, select and award a contract to deliver and support the Virtus Torso Sub System capability to all tri-service users including Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The Torso Sub System requirement is for all body armour and load carriage equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to scalable tactical vests, soft armour filler, extremity protection, bergens and pouches.

The Contract shall also include the ability for the Authority to utilise Post Design Services (PDS) for the ongoing development of the system to ensure that it continues to provide optimal performance as technology develops and matures. There may also be a requirement within the Contract for the provision of training in the use of the VIRTUS system and for the refurbishment and disposal of VIRTUS items.

The System needs to comply with MOD standards and policies for quality, safety and cyber amongst others. Full details shall be provided at the Invitation To Negotiate (ITN) stage of the competition.

The Competitive procedure will be managed in accordance with the Competitive Negotiated Procedure under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011.

You may express your interest in this requirement by completing the Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (DPQQ) found at

https://contracts.mod.uk/go/9113732701908259B595

The full requirement will be issued in the ITN and suppliers will be given appropriate time to respond with their tenders.

2. Contract Options

The contract will be for Five years

The contract will have an additional 4 x 1 Year options taking the maximum length of the contract up to 9 years.

The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option years. Further information on the option will be provided in the Invitation to Tender.

3. Post Design Services (PDS) during Competition

During the Torso Sub System competition, there will be pieces of Post Design Services on the TSS that will continue on the current In-Service contract. There will be a full list of any ongoing PDS along with expected completion dates and any further aspirational PDS tasks provided at ITN release.

4. Estimated Timescales

The table below details the anticipated time frames of this procurement. These dates are provided for information only.

Activity Date

Final date for DPQQ Clarification Questions: 5th August 2024

DPQQs returned to MOD: 16th August 2024

Invitation to Tender Issued: November 2024

Tenders Returned to MOD: May 2025

Authority Evaluation of ITN Completed: June 2025

Anticipated Date of Contract Award: August 2025