UK SBS PR18048 UKRI Framework for the Purchase of Autonomous Underwater Gliders and Surface Vehicles and Associated Equipment

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS IS 26th JULY 2019 AT 14:00 BST. MARS is the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems group within the National Marine Facilities Directorate based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.

Within UKRI, the MARS glider group and the AUV Operational and Development groups exist to provide and to operate propeller-driven Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), gliders and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for the British oceanographic science community. MARS currently supports all USVs and AUVs in the National Marine Equipment pool (NMEP).

Operation and maintenance of all vehicles in the NMEP may be by MARS, by the user or by a combination of the two, depending upon manpower and resources available. They will remain the responsibility of MARS nonetheless.

Purchases in the future will be to maintain, enhance and supplement the UKRI fleet and will include loss replacement and sensor development. MARS, other UKRI institutes, affiliates and universities have personnel that are currently trained in the use and maintenance of the vehicles.

Any new vehicle or vehicle type must offer the option of full training in use and maintenance. Institutes, affiliates and universities that do not operate their own vehicles rely on MARS to prepare them, and MARS or the network of institutes, affiliates and universities to pilot them.

This framework contract is to enable UKRI and MARS to purchase new and replacement vehicles, as well as components, spares, parts, sensors, batteries, calibrations and training to fulfil this role. Up to six suppliers.

The contract will be for an initial period of 2 years with the option to extend for a further 12 months x 2 (2 + 1 + 1). The value of the Contract is £3m for the initial 2 year core contract, and £3m for the further 1 + 1 year duration.

Additional information: This procurement opportunity is currently live on Tenders Electronic Daily and, if you have not already taken the opportunity to register, instructions are detailed below on the process for registration and expression of interest via Crown Commercial Service's e-Sourcing Suite. This procurement will be managed electronically via the Crown Commercial Service's e-Sourcing Suite.

To participate in this procurement, participants must first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite. If Bidders have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS eSourcing'.

Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@ccs.gsi.gov.uk.

Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; the name of the registered supplier; the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite.

The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event.

Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk : Freephone: 0345 010 3503 email: supplier@ccs.gsi.gov.uk Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/supplier.aspx