Project VIRTUS · UK public procurement notice

The Authority has a requirement for the ongoing supply, support and development of the VIRTUS integrated body armour, helmet and load carriage system.

VIRTUS is the UK Armed Forces integrated Body Armour, Helmet and Load Carriage system based on the soldier. The Authority successfully introduced the original VIRTUS system into service in 2015 and it has been gradually rolled out to the Infantry and Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) users. The success of the VIRTUS system informed the decision taken in 2019 by all Front-Line Commands that VIRTUS would become the primary body armour, helmet and load carriage system for all personnel (both Regular and Reserve).

The VIRTUS system focuses on 3 of the NATO soldier domains: survivability, mobility and sustainability. VIRTUS comprises of a head and torso sub-system with integrated load carriage and a Quick Release (QR) mechanism, to allow escape from water, confined space or to allow rapid access to the body in an emergency. The Single Statement of Need (SSN) for the VIRTUS system states:

“The User shall be provided with a Torso and Head Sub-system that will provide personal protection, load carriage and will be the platform on which all other NATO capability domains for the Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) arena can be designed on, around or supported by, allowing the user to survive and operate effectively across the full spectrum of operating environments in order to achieve the mission.”

Further detail on the VIRTUS system can be found, with instructional videos, at the following url: m.youtube.com/playlist ↗

The Contract/s being tendered shall be for the ongoing supply of the VIRTUS system to all tri-service users including Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Additionally, some elements of the PLCE (Personal Load Carriage and Equipment) contract shall be incorporated into this tender. These shall be defined in the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN).

The Contract/s shall also include the ability for the Authority to utilise Post Design Services (PDS) for the ongoing development of the system to ensure that it continues to provide optimal performance as technology develops and matures. There may also be a requirement within the Contract/s for the provision of training in the use of the VIRTUS system and for the refurbishment and disposal of VIRTUS items.

It is anticipated that throughout the initial 5 year contract/s duration the Authority shall commit to purchase a minimum number of VIRTUS items, to be defined within the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). The Authority shall also have the ability to purchase additional VIRTUS items, as and when required throughout the duration on the Contract/s for a range of tri-service users.

The requirement has been split into two Lots (Torso Sub-System and Head Sub-System), economic operators may apply for one or both Lots. A Contract shall be awarded for each Lot, however the Authority reserves the right to award one Contract covering both Lots if one economic operator is the successful bidder for both Lots.

Lot 1 – Torso Sub System (TSS) – the requirement for all body armour and load carriage equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to scalable tactical vests, soft armour filler, extremity protection, bergens and pouches. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items.

Lot 2 – Head Sub System (HSS) – the requirement for all protective head equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to helmets, mandibles, visors, eye protection and ancillaries. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items.

The Authority reserves the right to award contracts for the two lots detailed under this Contract Notice on different dates, dependent upon the progress of evaluation and negotiations for each Lot.

The Cyber Risk Profile for the Contract/s is Very Low. Operators which are invited to tender shall be required to complete a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ), as part of their tender submission, to demonstrate their compliance with the required cyber risk level.

An indicative schedule for this project is detailed below, please note that this is subject to change at the Authority's discretion and reflects no commitment on the Authority's behalf:

Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) Issued: September 2021

ITN Return: February 2022

Negotiations Phase (If Required): May 2022

Trials Phase: June 2022

Contract Award: Q1 2023