Future opportunity

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Test & Validation Centre Command and Control Centre

  • Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice reference: 2021/S 000-003026

Published 15 February 2021, 2:36pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult

Offshore House, Albert Street

Blyth

NE24 1LZ

Contact

Mrs Gillian Sharp

Email

procurement@ore.catapult.org.uk

Telephone

+44 3330041419

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKC21 - Northumberland

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.ore.catapult.org.uk

Buyer's address

https://www.ore.catapult.org.uk

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Other type

grant funding requirement

one.5) Main activity

Other activity

Research & development


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Test & Validation Centre Command and Control Centre

Reference number

DN526981

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 45214620 - Research and testing facilities construction work

two.1.3) Type of contract

Works

two.1.4) Short description

This Prior Information Notice (“PIN”) has been issued by Offshore Renewable Energy (“ORE”) Catapult, in relation to the requirement to build a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Test & Validation Centre (“R&AS”) Command and Control Centre. The building is expected to be over two floors, approximately 360m2 in floorspace and include office space, engineering workshops, welfare facilities. Full occupancy is expected by Q1 2022, with build costs estimated in the region of £1m.

This PIN is for market research purposes only and will only be used to engage with the market and not used to reduce the timescales of the procurement activity.

Due to the complexity of the facility, it is anticipated that the procurement exercise will follow the “Competitive with negotiation” process, with one main contractor being appointed to deliver.

Background: The accelerated testing, demonstration and validation in simulated testing facilities will reduce both the time and high cost associated in actual field testing, allowing faster adoption of cutting-edge subsea robotics technology, saving the offshore renewable energy sector costs in operation and maintenance performance and provide new market opportunities for businesses and innovators.

In the UK (and internationally) there is a lack of facilities able to test and validate R&AS for offshore renewable energy applications. ORE Catapult already has the world’s largest collection of offshore renewables test assets, these proposed enhancements in R&AS infrastructure will generate a world class capability in the North East of England.

An early market engagement event is being planned for Friday 26 February 2021 at 1600 hrs. Suppliers wishing to access it can do so via this link https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MJb1yDhQ5mkIJhC0dZ0cw

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 45214600 - Construction work for research buildings

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKC21 - Northumberland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

This Prior Information Notice (“PIN”) has been issued by Offshore Renewable Energy (“ORE”) Catapult, in relation to the requirement to build a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Test & Validation Centre (“R&AS”) Command and Control Centre. The building is expected to be over two floors, approximately 360m2 in floorspace and include office space, engineering workshops, welfare facilities. Full occupancy is expected by Q1 2022, with build costs estimated in the region of £1m.

This PIN is for market research purposes only and will only be used to engage with the market and not used to reduce the timescales of the procurement activity.

Due to the complexity of the facility, it is anticipated that the procurement exercise will follow the “Competitive with negotiation” process, with one main contractor being appointed to deliver.

Background: The accelerated testing, demonstration and validation in simulated testing facilities will reduce both the time and high cost associated in actual field testing, allowing faster adoption of cutting-edge subsea robotics technology, saving the offshore renewable energy sector costs in operation and maintenance performance and provide new market opportunities for businesses and innovators.

In the UK (and internationally) there is a lack of facilities able to test and validate R&AS for offshore renewable energy applications. ORE Catapult already has the world’s largest collection of offshore renewables test assets, these proposed enhancements in R&AS infrastructure will generate a world class capability in the North East of England.

An early market engagement event is being planned for Friday 26 February 2021 at 1600 hrs. Suppliers wishing to access it can do so via this link https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MJb1yDhQ5mkIJhC0dZ0cw

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

7 June 2021


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes