Post Design Services (PDS) & Repairs for the Mobile Test Facility (MTF) Vehicle

The Situational Awareness Command and Control (SACC) Delivery Team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence (the Authority), intends to award a contract to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (the Contractor) for the support of the One Mobile Test Facility (MTF), inclusive of bespoke Interoperability Test Tools (IOTT) to provide a complete Tactical Data Link (TDL) testing and assurance capability in the form of a Mercedes Sprinter Vehicle for all the current in-service TDL’s including Link 11, Link 16 and Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAPC) across the Maritime platforms. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited are currently contracted to provide Post Design Services for the Mobile Test Facility and have exclusive rights for the Agile software.

Subsequently, the Contractor has managed the IOTT capability since the MTF was procured supporting a wide range of test equipment and analysis software used to provide functional testing, monitoring, trialling, defect diagnosis and rectification of Maritime TDL fitted platforms. The MTF tests the new Link 16 MIDS JTRs Terminals and seeks to standardise all in-scope maritime platforms in the next 5 years under the Maritime Multi Link Programme in preparation for transition to in service Equipment Authorising Authority (EAA).

The capability will replicate the ship environment to enable an accurate and quick defect rectification service to support both pre-deployment workups and platform release back into service following Operational Defect reporting and assistance and alterations and additions (repairs). It will enhance Navy Commands ability to support trials and NATO exercises with allied nations as the van can be driven to parts of the country not supported by a static TDL test facility to start the Link 11 and Link 16 network allowing the maritime platforms to join or to identify TDL issues with participating platforms.

The Contractor is the only supplier to align the van suite of future test tools to the TDL scope ensuring a true replica of a unit afloat and thereby providing optimum support in the TDL test environment. The Contractor also holds the technical documentation, tools, software licences and know-how necessary to perform the service.

The original software was designed many years ago and has been supported by the Contractor managing technical upgrades and obsolescence issues. On this basis it is considered that only the Contractor has the technical expertise and knowledge, including system specifications to support the software application. The Cyber Risk Level is Low, and the Risk Assessment Reference number is RAR-250529B05.