Project CALLISTO (PROPULSION)

{
  "id": "029983-2025",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2025-06-04T15:50:14+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0542f8",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-FTS-150200",
    "name": "Ministry of Defence"
  },
  "links": [
    {
      "rel": "canonical",
      "href": "https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=59907"
    }
  ],
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0542f8",
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "0",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Project CALLISTO (PROPULSION)",
    "status": "planned",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32009L0081",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "description": "The UK MOD will be holding a Project CALLISTO Challenge Session on the afternoon of the 18th June 2025 in London, UK. Industry partners, particularly those currently established or planning to be established in the UK, are invited to attend to provide feedback on Project CALLISTO’s proposed scope, timescales and feasibility. Additional information: The User requires a low-cost, 1.2-2kN propulsion system to power a UK MOD development programme (Proj BRAKESTOP) for a heavy One Way Effector (OWE). The propulsion system could be used for other applications e.g. cruise missiles, other OWEs. \nProject BRAKESTOP has highlighted limited availability of the class of propulsion systems needed. Therefore, MOD wishes to increase the availability of this class of propulsion system. \nTechnical Propulsion Engine Requirements\nThe engine shall:  \n•\tBe a 1.2 – 2kN single engine propulsion system (Sea Level Static Maximum Thrust)  \no\tLow end for least amount of ancillary cost (facilities, fuel, equipment, build material, machine size, test cell etc) \no\tCould then be iterated for enhanced capability.  \n•\tBe designed to be easily manufactured at scale using widely available manufacturing methods/machinery.\n•\tManage at least 5 hours component life; this provides confidence in managing the expected application life, but also pushes the materials technologies to low cost.   \n•\tBe able to reliably start rapidly (ideally < 30 seconds) and accelerate to high power (ideally <10 seconds).  \no\tReduced warfighter exposure is important. \n•\tDemonstration within 9 months ready for Q1 2026.  \no\tDemonstrate to then iterate pushing the competitor’s ability to learn and adapt to risks arising given engine testing. \n•\tWithin 12 months, be prepared for full rate production of 20 engines a month.    \nIt should:  \n•\tBe resilient to -15 to +40 degrees.   \n•\tBe resilient to fuel type.  \n•\tBe readily adaptable for spiral development towards enhanced capability.  \n•\tBe cost effective against equivalent market competitors in this thrust class.  \n•\tBe resilient to typical transport vibration.   \nProcurement Approach and Timeline\nMOD’s preferred approach is to purchase a proven, off-the-shelf propulsion system of the desired technical and cost characteristics from a supply chain which can guarantee security of supply of the quantities required Q2-Q3 2026. \nCurrently, there are several different consortiums building a range of solutions against the BRAKESTOP requirement. The technical requirements are therefore deliberately broad at this stage but will be refined as BRAKESTOP solutions are eliminated from the competition over late 2025 and into 2026. \nPricing Information\nTarget (Propulsion System) Unit Price: £75K \nTarget (Propulsion System) Volume: 20 units per month from Q2/Q3 2026 to support Project BRAKESTOP\nIf there is no off-the-shelf solution that meets this requirement, MOD is willing to consider additional funding for development of a new propulsion system(s).   \nChallenge Day Information\nThe Authority will be holding a Project CALLISTO Challenge Day on the afternoon of the Wednesday 18th June 2025 in the STADIUM room at Scalespace in London, UK. \nPlease use the following link to submit a request form to attend the Challenge Day. MOD will consider the track record of companies of designing and/or manufacturing propulsion systems will be allowed to attend the event – it is therefore key that you provide examples of your expertise. \nPlease note that responses must be submitted by 10th June 2025. \nDue to capacity limitations, this Challenge Day will be limited to 4 personnel from each company. In the event of the location’s capacity being exceeded, the MOD will restrict down to 1 person from each company. \nhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5a5yEC87bndDi9PKmMmNOy9UN1ZYRkhMSkczNjBTOTlaUlBKTzREQ0w4VS4u",
    "classification": {
      "id": "73410000",
      "scheme": "CPV",
      "description": "Military research and technology"
    },
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "additionalClassifications": [
      {
        "id": "35613100",
        "scheme": "CPV",
        "description": "Unmanned combat aerial vehicles"
      },
      {
        "id": "3",
        "scheme": "TED_SERVICE_CATEGORY_DEFENCE",
        "description": "Defence services, military defence services and civil defence services"
      }
    ]
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-FTS-150200",
      "name": "Ministry of Defence",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "locality": "Bristol",
        "postalCode": "BS34 8JH",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Abbey Wood, Spruce 2B, #1261"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "Ministry of Defence"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "FCI Commercial, attn: FCI Commercial",
        "email": "DESGTWY-FCI-ERCoE-Comrcl@mod.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "description": "The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}