CBRN00243 - PATSY Below Neck System (BNS)

The Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Protection Delivery Team (CBRN DT) is seeking bids for the supply of a Below Neck CBR Protective Clothing System for Aircrew (Category D). One of the key drivers for the programme is to provide the required level of Below Neck CBR protection (Key User Requirement) whilst imposing the minimum physiological burden on the wearer.

The selected contractor will be responsible for the supply of a Below Neck System (BNS) for aircrew personnel requiring 3 systems per person, plus additional trials and training sets to be determined at Invitation to Tender (ITT). The first systems are to be delivered at Contract Award (CA) + 23 months with the balance no later than CA + 45 months (earlier delivery is desirable to the Authority but not essential).

Additional buys may be required on an Ad Hoc basis, stipulated by the Authority when required. The BNS should be a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) solution.

The Authority is looking for a Below Neck CBR System which will be an integrated CBR solution comprising of an undergarment, socks and gloves. For clarity, the system must cover personnel from the neck down and must integrate with the Authority's Above Neck System (ANS - a development of the current APED In-Service solution) which includes a neck skirt.

The Interface Control Document (ICD) will be issued at ITT containing details of the APED system. The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs).

However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. To enable the solution to enter operational service with UK military aviation formations, the supplier will be responsible for providing supporting information, including but not limited to: Training and Training Aids, Technical Publications, Safety and Environmental evidence, and Logistic Support Documentation.

It is required that the preferred contractor is working to the following (or equivalent) standards; AQAP 2110, AQAP 2105 (Quality Plan Standards), DefStan 05-61 Pt9. This Procurement is using the Restricted Procedure under Defence & Security Public Contract Regulations (DSPCR) to place a supply and initial in-service support contract for 5 years + 3 options years (in yearly increments).

The PQQ has closed and the 4 companies have been Invited to Tender. Additional information: The PQQ for this requirement is closed and the ITT (restricted) is live until 31/01/2019. Four companies who were successful in passing the PQQ criteria have been invited to tender.