In-Service Support of a Dosimetry Data Management System (DDMS)

In Service Support of the current Royal Navy Dosimetry Data Management System (DDMS), this will be utilised in two primary areas: (1) On-board Nuclear-powered Submarines and (2) Within the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme (NNPP) support sites.

The exposure of personnel to ionising radiation poses a significant health risk. Therefore, in accordance with IRR2017 and MoD policy, there is an enduring requirement to monitor and control ionising radiation exposure of staff working within the NNPP. The NNPP includes nuclear submarine operations at sea and alongside. To comply with this policy and with IRR2017, suitable dosimetry measurement equipment and a data management framework needs to be in place to ensure that radiation exposure risks to individuals are kept As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

This system is currently in use at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (HMNB Clyde) and on-board the fleet of Nuclear-powered Submarines.

It is noted that this procurement is exempt from the Defence and Security Public Contract Regulations (DSPCR) 2011, on grounds of National Security under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the DSPCR in conjunction with Regulation 6(3A). Elements of this project require specific personnel from a potential supplier, and/or agents in the Supply Chain, to be residents of the UK or Gibraltar, with appropriate Personal Security. Although the procurement will be managed using the principles of DSPCR 2011.

The potential Supplier also needs to hold, or be willing to obtain, List X status prior to contract award.

The current system has been in service since 2016 and is in the process of being upgrade, the new DDMS is due to be accepted into Service during the first quarter of 2022 and this contract is expected to include the transition of the upgraded equipment. This will be detailed in the Invitation to Tender documents, following completion of the Supplier Selection exercise (via a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire)

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the current and upgraded DDMS (IT hardware and software) is Mirion Group Ltd and a Software Agreement will be required with Mirion within the initial 6 months of the contract.

The Cyber Risk Profile for this requirement identified by the Cyber Risk Assessment is Very low (Ref No: RAR-GFVY72BG).

Link to DPPQ - www.contracts.mod.uk/go/29267061017A5D4C1CEB ↗ Quantity or scope: The Dosimetry Data Management System (DDMS) includes:

1. A software package that has the capability to be hosted in both a stand-alone and a networked environment with the ability to report and analyse doses received by system users to ensure compliance with IRR2017.
2. A system that enables active day to day dose management, but will not be the legal record of dose.
3. A system capable of importing historical records from current and past systems and the approved dosimetry record system, for current users.
4. Active Dosimeters capable of recording exposure to ionising radiation which can be exported into the software application.
5. Hardware capable of extracting data from Dosimeters and transferring it to the software package. It is anticipated that this hardware will enable self-issue of dosimeters to users.
6. IT hardware required to fulfil its function.

The new Contract will continue DDMS support for 5 years, providing cover from 01 March 2022 to 28 February 2029, including two option years. The contract shall include the following activities:

a) Maintain an acceptable software package that has the capability to be hosted in both a stand-alone and a networked environment to record and manage Ironising Radiation doses on an individual, task and location basis.

b) Support hardware capable of extracting data from Dosimeters and transferring it to the software package. Some of the hardware will enable self-issue of dosimeters to users.

c) Possess the relevant IT hardware required to support the in-service equipment.

d) Conduct In-service support activities to ensure availability of the full DDMS system.

e) Demonstrate sound Project Management knowledge and understanding to support the contract.

f) Manage the tasking process for additional In-service activities related to DDMS.

g) Ability to purchase additional DDMS equipment or spares through the contractor to meet evolving business requirements.

h) Provide Training and updated documentation to support the DDMS system.

i) Able to meet the security requirements to support the DDMS – Secret UK Eyes Only.