In-Service Support of Hazardous Environment Search Equipment (HESE)

1. Introduction 1.1 The DE&S Specialist EODS, [Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search], Exploitation and Countermeasures (SEEC) team intends to competitively assess, select and award a contract to deliver In-Service Support for the HESE Capability. 1.2 The HESE Capability provides contains a prime set of equipment that enables: 1.2.1 Working in a confined space 1.2.2 Working at height 1.2.3 Working in an unstable structure 1.3 It contains lifting equipment, breathing apparatus, medical equipment, decontamination equipment, lighting, gas detection, communication and PPE. 1.4 The provision of In-Service Support shall comply with MOD standards and policies for quality, safety, security and cyber, amongst others. Full details shall be provided at the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage of the competition. 1.5 This procurement will be managed in accordance with the Competitive Negotiated procedure under Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011. 1.6 You may express your interest in this requirement by completing the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) found at https://contracts.mod.uk/go/97869582018C6E5C4794. The full requirement will be issued in the ITT and suppliers will be given appropriate time to respond with their tenders. The Authority shall take forward a maximum of six suppliers that have provided a compliant response to the PQQ. The six highest scoring compliant suppliers will be invited to tender. 1.7 This procurement will be subject to iterative tendering and a further down-selection of Tenders will take place during the tender assessment stage. Following evaluation of the initial tender returns the three highest scoring compliant tenders will be invited to negotiate and provide Final Tenders before the final evaluation takes place. 2. Scope of Requirement 2.1 In-service support shall be provided for a period of five years from Contract Award. The requirements of in-service support include, but are not limited to: routine equipment servicing and maintenance (including LOLER certification), the provision of spares, repairs and turnaround times, quality management, safety management, obsolescence management, training and the provision of replacement equipment if required. Performance against these requirements will be monitored as part of standard MOD Contract Management processes. 2.2 A list of equipment that form the HESE Capability can be found in Annex A to the DPQQ Support Document. Please note this is subject to change and the final requirement will be confirmed with the Invitation to Negotiate. 3. Contract Options 3.1 The requirement includes the provision of the following contract option: 3.1.1 Extension of In-Service Support for an additional period of two years. 3.2 The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option. Further information on the option will be provided in the Invitation to Tender. 4. Security Information 4.1 The Cyber Risk level for this procurement is VERY LOW. The Risk Assessment Reference (RAR) is RAR-287051598. 4.2 A full description of the Cyber Risk levels is available at DEFSTAN 05-138. Potential Providers should make themselves familiar with the requirements against the profile assessment for this risk level. 4.3 The maximum classification of the In-Service Support of HESE contract and its data is expected to be OFFICIAL. 5. Estimated Timescales 5.1 The table below details the anticipated timeframes of this procurement. These dates are provided for information only. Final date for DPQQ Clarification Questions - 05 February 2024 DPQQs returned to MOD - 19 February 2024 Invitation to Tender Issued - 22 April 2024 Tenders Returned to MOD - 24 June 2024 Authority Evaluation of ITT Completed - 19 August 2024 Negotiations and best and final offer submission - 30 September 2024 Anticipated Date of Contract Award - 15 November 2024 Contract Expiry - 2029 (excluding options) 5 years post contract award 6. Estimated Value 6.1 The estimated overall value of the contract, including any option extension periods and additional purchases, is £3,228,788.80 (EX VAT).