Future opportunity

Defence Space Capability Framework - Prior Information Notice (PIN)

  • Ministry of Defence

F16: Prior information notice for contracts in the field of defence and security

Notice reference: 2023/S 000-003436

Published 3 February 2023, 1:57pm



Section one: Contracting authority/entity

one.1) Name, addresses and contact point(s)

Ministry of Defence

Space Delivery Team, Abbey Wood

Bristol

BS34 8JH

Contact

DESSpace-DT@mod.gov.uk

For the attention of

Space Delivery Team

Email(s)

DESSpace-DT@mod.gov.uk

Country

United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

General address of the contracting authority/entity

https://des.mod.uk/

Address of the buyer profile

https://des.mod.uk/

Further information

Further information can be obtained from the above mentioned contact point(s)

one.2) Type of the contracting authority

Other type

Space Delivery Team, Defence Equipment and Support

one.3) Main activity

Defence


Section two: Object

two.1) Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority/entity:

Defence Space Capability Framework - Prior Information Notice (PIN)

two.2) Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance

Supplies

Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance

Space Delivery Team, Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence.

NUTS code

  • UK - United Kingdom

two.3) Information on framework agreement

The notice involves the establishment of a framework agreement: Yes

two.4) Short description of nature and scope of works or nature and quantity or value of supplies or services

As part of UK Space Command’s overall capability delivery strategy, it is the intention of the DE&S Space Delivery Team to establish a multi-supplier Defence Space Capability Framework, within which Prog ISTARI will deliver a UK sovereign, defence-controlled Space-based UK ISR end-to-end capability, that can deliver continual, resilient, timely, pervasive, and flexible observations across the globe, that augments capabilities owned and developed by key allies. This intent has been informed by the Space Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SBISR) requisites identified by a 2-year UKStratCom sponsored Space ISR Capability Investigation and informed by past and ongoing Operational Concept Demonstrators (OCDs).

Delivery will be initiated through the integration of existing OCDs to meet an OCD integration goal in 2026 and building to Full Operating Capability (FOC) by 2031.

The Framework is to provide a route to market up to TRL 9, to deliver future operational elements of Prog ISTARI plus related capabilities linked to space protect and defend objectives. This does not include any Defence SATCOM requirements. The Framework will be developed in partnership with Space Command and DSTL for joint use. It is anticipated that the Framework will have a value up to £1.4bn over a 7-year period, with contracts awarded up to and including FOC in 2031.

The Space Delivery Team now wish to engage with the market prior to the publication of a Contract Notice and formal commencement of the procurement programme. A planned Market Interest Day is to be held in on Friday 10th March (venue in Bristol, UK) to gain valuable insight and feedback on this process and ensure the success of the Framework.

Further details regarding the Market Interest Day including registration and attendance requirements are contained in section VI.2 of this PIN.

The cost advised within this PIN is an estimate at this stage and subject to ongoing programme development.

All subsequent procurement following this early Market Engagement is at the discretion of the MoD and subject to approvals. Any further updates regarding future activity will be made through the appropriate advertising channels.

Estimated value excluding VAT

£1,400,000,000

two.5) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

  • 34712000 - Spacecraft, satellites and launch vehicles

two.6) Scheduled date for start of award procedures and duration of the contract

End date: 31 December 2031


Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information

three.1) Conditions relating to the subcontract

three.1.1) Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions governing them:

Financing conditions and payment terms will be outlined within the terms and conditions of the Framework Agreement, and specific Framework call-off tasking documentation.


Section six: Complementary information

six.1) Information about European Union funds

The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

six.2) Additional information

The Market Interest Day will take place in Bristol on Friday 10th March 2023 and will be an ‘in-person’ event. Attendees will be required to attend all day. Lunch will be provided.

The Market Interest Day is a briefing from the Authority to Industry, during which the Authority will describe the requirement and proposed incremental delivery approach. The day will consist of a presentation as well as smaller ‘syndicate style’ discussions in which industry participation and feedback is encouraged. We will invite Industry comments in relation to both the operational, and procurement and commercial strategies. All information gathered will be taken into consideration and may inform the future strategy of the programme, however, this is not guaranteed. A follow up document containing key information from the day will be provided to all attendees after the event. Commercially sensitive information will not be shared.

Attendance from Space Command, DSTL, and DE&S Space Delivery Team is expected on the day.

Should your Organisation wish to attend the initial Market Interest Day please contact the following email address to register your interest: DESSpace-DT@mod.gov.uk

Industry attendance will be limited to two (2) attendees per company due to limited capacity. Please be aware that there can be no guarantee that attendees from the same Organisation will be seated together during the Market Interest Day and requests for such cannot be taken into consideration due to the scale of event.

The event will be classified Official Secret and therefore is a requirement for confirmation of extant Security Clearance (BPSS as a minimum) to be provided and checked prior to attendance at the event. Your registration will only be confirmed once checks have been completed. Information from the event can be shared with Organisations not meeting the minimum Security Clearance who are unable to attend the event.

The event will be facilitated by DE&S Space DT, DE&S Commercial, MoD COMDP, or a nominated external facilitator.

Please note, applications to attend this Market Interest Day will not be accepted after Friday 24th February 2023 at midday.

Further information, including an agenda and discussion topics will be provided in good time following registration and confirmation of relevant security clearances.

six.3) Information on general regulatory framework

Relevant governmental Internet sites where information can be obtained

Tax legislation

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/all?title=tax

HM Revenue and Customs

Internet address

https://www.gov.uk/tax-help

Environmental protection legislation

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents

Environment Agency

Internet address

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

Employment protection and working conditions

Employment protection (hse.gov.uk)