710340458 - High G Centrifuge Test and Training Service Contract

The High G Test & Training Facility (HGTTF) provides critical High G training for fast jet aircrew as mandated by NATO standardisation agreement (STANAG’s) and Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulatory Articles in a safe environment. It also has the capability to carry out testing and research.

The HGTTF provides G force training under RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine (RAF CAM) control for a range of training conditions. Operational Aircrew (Refresher), new military Aircrew and specialist staff are taught to cope with forces of up to +9Gz, nine times normal gravity whilst controlling their aircraft as they would do in a flight simulator. RAF CAM staff train aircrew to recognise the effects of G-force and develop techniques to counteract these effects, in a safe and controlled realistic environment. By developing pilots’ abilities to withstand high G-force on the ground, under realistic flying conditions, the HGTTF significantly enhances safety in the air. Trials work has already been conducted for Typhoon, Tempest and recently for the Civil Aviation Authority looking at medical aspects of UK-based human spaceflight. The HGTTF is also used to conduct testing for the effects of G-force on equipment intended to be used in Aircraft where high G force may be applied.

As the only such device in the UK, it reached Full Operating Capability in 2018, replacing the veteran human centrifuge at Farnborough. It also provides essential UK release to service certification for Aircrew Equipment Assemblies (AEA) under a controlled range of High-G conditions and will be used to develop, test and evaluate advanced new pilot equipment. The Centrifuge and its associated equipment are located within a bespoke, secure building based at RAF Cranwell.

The Authority requires the following:

a. Management and equipment maintenance of the High G Centrifuge.

b. Provision of Co-ordinating Design Organisation engineering services via the support and management of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) / Design Authority (DA), to enable safe delivery of the test and training capability.

c. Implementation and management of Post Design Services (PDS) Taskings and repairs as required.

d. Provision of Suitably Qualified & Experienced Personnel (SQEP) to deliver/oversee the aircrew training programme in compliance with Quality Standards, and Safety & Environmental Standards.

e. Provision of Training delivery and Management of Support services through working closely with the Customer, RAF CAM, to manage trainees, testing and research

f. Management of Security and Information Assurance in accordance with UK Government policies and guidance.

g. Provision of Integrated Logistics Support including the management of Authority issued GFA; Spares which may be subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); Management or support of a third-party supply system; maintenance of Aircrew Equipment Assemblies (AEA).

This notice invites potential providers to register an interest and complete the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ - 710340458) for this project via the Defence Sourcing Portal. Potential providers are invited to demonstrate their capacity, capability, and suitability to deliver the requirement for the High G project.

Cyber Security: The MoD has a duty to protect itself from Cyber threats and now we extend this to Suppliers we engage with. As an extension of the Government’s Cyber Essentials Scheme, the MoD working together with Industry and other Government Departments, have developed a more robust Cyber Security Model, under the umbrella of the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP). All prime contractors must have the cyber security controls specified in DEF Stan 05-138 (Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers), as appropriate to the cyber risk level specified in the contract. For the purposes of Cyber Security this requirement has been assessed with a Cyber Risk Profile: Low. The Risk Assessment Reference is RAR-240319A09. Additional information: contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opport… ↗