708342450 PEDT/0040 Submarine Escape and Survival Equipment (SESE)

The purpose of Submarine Escape and Survival Equipment (SESE) is to allow submariners to evacuate from a disabled submerged submarine, without external assistance, in a safe and controlled manner. The intention of the equipment is to keep the escapee dry and protected from the environment during and after ascent, and to provide buoyancy, freeboard, and thermal insulation at the surface.

The SESE is a whole-body suit comprising a one-size fits all Submarine Escape Survival Suit (SESS) and a Single person life raft all contained in a protective valise.

This competitive procurement is for supply of in the region of 4000 operational SESE and 100 training variant SESE, ad hoc repairs of training variant SESE on a call off basis and the potential to allow post design technical support to be undertaken. The Contract will have a duration of 5 years with an estimated value of approximately £10M to £20M. Quantity or scope: The purpose of Submarine Escape and Survival Equipment (SESE) is to allow submariners to evacuate from a disabled submerged submarine, without external assistance, in a safe and controlled manner. The intention of the equipment is to keep the escapee dry and protected from the environment during and after ascent, and to provide buoyancy, freeboard, and thermal insulation at the surface.

The SESE is a whole-body suit comprising a one-size fits all Submarine Escape Survival Suit (SESS) offering thermal protection and a single person life raft all contained in a protective valise (method of containment for all components during storage.

This competitive procurement is for supply of in the region of 4000 operational SESE and 100 training variant SESE, ad hoc repairs of training variant SESE on a call off basis and the potential to allow post design technical support to be undertaken on a tasking basis. The Contract will have a duration of 5 years with an estimated value of approximately £10M to £20M.

SESE will be required to meet the following standard:

The SESS must be a ‘one size fits all’ standard article to fit correctly with no snagging hazards for users of 5th to 95th centile;

Push fit connector must be able to withstand a force of 1000N prior to separation from the hose

The SESS's air inlet valve must allow connection to current Royal Navy Hood Inflation System. Specification will be provided at the Tender stage.

Allow escape from depths of up to 200 meters at an appropriate ascent speed;

Single seat life raft to provide a minimum surface survival time of 24 hours in a variety of sea states;

Capable of being stored in an air temperature range of -1C to +65C without degradation up to 80% relative humidity;

Must be capable of being donned unaided in the dark and with no internal/external snagging hazards;

SESS must retain buoyancy on surface and have a method of oral inflation;

When containing the full SESE and stored, the valise must be of maximum dimensions 355mm x 315mm x 186mm and capable of stacking 5 high;

Shall have a life and warranty of 10 years; and

Materials used in the manufacture of SESE must be compliant with the Submarine Material Toxicity Database.

All successful Potential Providers will be expected to produce samples of the SESE during the tender process. Testing of prototypes will be undertaken by the Authority’s independent testing facility and will form part of the tender evaluation.

All successful Potential Providers will be expected to provide assurance of the adequacy and effectiveness of testing standards and practices, in the form of verification/Certification, Quality Standards and processes, during the tender process. This form part of the tender evaluation.