700003315 - Extension of PDM/INA in-service support contract (ISS)

Concepts

• bristol
• military defence
• iss
• wind data system
• rn command plan
• rn ships
• various user equipment
• training purposes
• significant risk
• simulated data

Location

Bristol

Description

The role of the PDM system is to receive G&TR sensor inputs from the platform Gyro/Naval Compass Stabilisers, Ship's Log System and Wind Data System, and output this data in the required format to various navigation and weapon systems. Provision is also made for the input of simulated data and for transmission to various user equipment’s for training purposes. This role is generally common to all outfits of PDM. Navigation capability on RN ships is a critical component of a ship’s ability to operate and fight, hence any failure or degradation of these systems will place significant risk on the RN’s ability to fulfil the Authority’s required defence outcomes in accordance with the Authority’s Defence Strategy and RN Command Plan.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 75221000 - Military defence services

Indicators

Legal Justification

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (the “Authority”) intends to initially extend contract CSA/3049 for 5 months (from 01 July to 30 Nov 24) as an interim support solution, based upon current Scope of Work, rates/pricing and essential updates to T&Cs. This will then allow negotiations and discussions to take place between both parties to further extend the contract until 30th June 2027 as an adapted QDC contract. The contract will be extended with Ultra Electronics Command and Sonar Systems (the “Company”) for in-service support for Platform Data Management (PDM) Systems. The Equipment’s managed are the PDM/INA Outfits fitted to Type 23 Frigates (PDM2TR), Single Role Minehunter (PDM3), Vanguard Class Submarines (PDM4) and Fort Victoria (RFA) (PDM5(1)). Without a support contract, the serviceability of the navigational data distribution communication system which is needed for Command and control cannot be guaranteed. PDM is critical for platform navigation and deployment. PDM4 is used onboard our Continuous At Sea Deterrent Boats (CASD). Ultra are the existing Contractor for PDM. PDM was developed and brought into service in the 1990’s. The technology used in PDM is aged which presents ongoing supportability and obsolescence challenges. Ultra have the legacy knowledge of PDM having supported this equipment since it was developed through a subsidiary of Ultra called PMES. Therefore, due to the age of the equipment and wider technical advances across the industry, moving support arrangements to an alternative supplier would be difficult. This is due to various reasons including legacy knowledge of PDM and testing and repair equipment owned by Ultra. Through the development of the PDM systems, the OEM has designed and developed their own test and repair equipment to enable them to maintain, repair and modify the PDM equipment to the standards required by the Authority. Ultra are the only supplier with the appropriate level of technical knowledge and SQEP availability, for the systems they have responsibility, to operate the test and repair equipment safely. The planned term of the extension to contract CSA/3049 is initially 5 months as interim support, then extended for the period of Dec 2024 to June 2027. The total value of this extended period is estimated to be c£5.0m. It is assessed that only the Contractor can achieve delivery of this requirement within the timeframe available on all ships within scope, without considerable risk to the continued operation of the fleet. It is considered that this contract can be placed using the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Publication pursuant the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 (SI 1848), on the basis that the contract may be awarded only to the Company for technical reasons. The Company alone has at its disposal the specialist knowledge and equipment and meet the Authority’s technical requirements under the contract. Prior publication of a contract notice in the official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate.