Prior Information Notice for Javelin Command Launch Unit (CLU) Bags

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to provide suppliers with advanced notification of our potential future procurement and seek information. This PIN aims at companies that provide Javelin Command Launch Unit (CLU) carriage bags that could satisfy the technical elements listed below.

Note: This procurement is to fulfil the current in-service requirement in the next 5 years. This requirement DOES NOT seek a carriage solution for the future CLU replacement (circa. 2025).

The bag must provide:

• Interoperability and compatibility with the British Army’s existing VIRTUS system.
• The ability for an individual to carry the CLU.
• The ability for an individual to carry a Launch Tube Assembly (LTA – missile and tube).
• The weight of the LTA must not place stress upon the CLU itself (i.e. must not sit directly upon it).
• A layer of protection to the CLU against minor bumps or drops.
• The load must be suitably balanced, minimising the user from being pulled off-balance.
• Suitable lumbar support facilitating user comfort.
• The ability for the user to carry a minimum of 2 spare batteries.
• The ability for the user to carry additional kit such as clothing, optics and rations. This will be between 20 & 40 litres in capacity.
• Must be able to be carried whilst wearing in-service VIRTUS Body Armour
• Minimum quality standards: AQAP 2131, Def Stans 05-57, 05-61 Pt 1 and 05-135

Desirable technical specifications:

• To have anchor points to allow activities such as (for example) lowering/raising by line (cliff assault) or clipping and hanging to vehicles.
• Water-proof protection
• Suitable Molle, or other, attachments allowing a degree of customisation in attachment of kit/accessories.
• The carriage system will be in Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage.

Market testing questions:

• Would you be able to provide bags for assessments up to 9 bags?
• What is the manufacturing lead time for e.g. 50,100, 300 bags?
• Do you have a minimum order quantity and would pricing reflect the volume of order at times?
• How do you manage supply chain risks such as sourcing materials, transport, quality assurance anything else relevant to your business?
• The Public Services (Social Value) Act came into force on 31 January 2013. It requires people who commission public services to think about how they can also secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits. Defence identified three priority Social Value themes from the Cabinet Office Social Value Model. They are

o tackling economic inequality;

o fighting climate change and

o equal opportunity.

• Please could you rank the above which is relevant to your sector, 1 being most relevant and 3 being the least relevant. This will help us to formulate evaluation criteria in the future tender.
• You can find further information on Social Value at Procurement Policy Note 06/20 – taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk ↗)