ESMCP A2G Aircraft Radio Systems

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to notify the market of recent developments and planned engagement activity relating to the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) Air to Ground, Aircraft Radio Systems Project ('the Project') Additional information: ESMCP is delivering the Emergency Services Network (ESN), a 4G critical voice and data communications service using an enhanced commercial mobile network with priority over the public for emergency services users. ESMCP is conducting a market review in preparation for a possible competitive tender for equipment and services for use on ESN (4G/LTE) coverage.

ESMCP wishes to conduct a consultation process with potential bidders. The A2G- Aircraft Radio System (ARS) Project is one of the Authority Projects that is responsible for procuring ESN Aircraft Radio Systems approved for use on, or in conjunction with, the ESN.

The Project is currently working with User Organisations (UO) and further developing its requirements. There are 2 types of UOs, the three Emergency Services (3ES) UOs and other UOs.

As part of this process, industry engagement is required to refine certain technical points. ESMCP will therefore be issuing its updated draft requirements around the end of Sept 2017 and will be seeking supplier feedback on the requirements within 28 cal days.

The programme anticipates launching the procurement at the end of January 2018. For the avoidance of doubt the A2G-ARS Project will be a standalone Procurement that may or may not include separate lots within it.

Market engagement and evolution of the ESN programme since the publication of the notice to the market in Sept 2016 has led to a re-assessment of the potential procurement options for ARS. We now wish to share our findings with the market by way of this revised PIN, including related material such as revised draft user requirements that reflect our latest thinking in respect of the potential procurement approaches.

Once the primary contact has been registered on the eSourcing Suite, they should then express an interest for this event by emailing Expressions of Interest to: ESMCPSupplier@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk Following receipt of an Expression of Interest the Authority will send a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the supplier to complete and return to the same e-mail address. Once the NDA has been returned and verified by the Authority, the supplier will be provided with access to the RFI through the Bravo Portal.

Registering for the Bravo system is only required once. If you are already registered then you do not need to register again, however you do still need to express your interest in this particular market engagement activity as outlined above.