Scope
Reference
713667451-RFI
Description
The Ministry of Defence (the Authority) under the Materiel Distribution Land (MDL) programme is developing a requirement project for Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) platform. Initially circa 70 to 90 vehicles with an integrated support solution service for an initial period of ten years, with potential options to increase the acquisition volume and extend beyond the initial support period. Aspirational Full Operating Capability (FOC) is June 2029.
This requirement aims to introduce a new, technologically advanced system for the delivery of heavy and out-of-gauge equipment, with a minimum threshold of eighty-five (85) metric tonnes, featuring improved low mobility lift capabilities. This system will significantly improve and sustain the operational movement of heavy, mission-critical equipment well into the future.
The primary role is to transport heavy armoured equipment, including armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and main battle tank (MBT), but it must also be capable of moving lighter equipment into the theatre of operations. Additionally, this equipment will be used during peacetime for training delivery both in the UK and overseas.
A PIN has previously been released for this requirement reference 2025/S 000-002913.
Total value (estimated)
- £315,000,000 excluding VAT
- £378,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2027 to 1 July 2039
- 12 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
Engagement
Engagement deadline
16 May 2025
Engagement process description
As part of option analysis, the Authority is inviting industry to participate in a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise in support of the development of our acquisition strategy for MDL HET. Specifically, we seek information from industry to help us:
a. Establish the potential for an Off The Shelf (OTS) solution to meet the MDL HET requirement.
b. Obtain a greater awareness of what the market can currently provide to inform the MDL HET requirement.
c. The requirement includes the acquisition, repair, maintenance, inspection and, through-life service options through innovative partnered solutions.
d. To inform through life cost and cost of ownership.
e. To potentially inform further pre-market engagement activity.
This PME is an information gathering exercise. We are looking to understand the potential for adopting or adapting solutions that are already in production. Your responses should be based on solutions that are already in-production.
A questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions, will be distributed by e-mail following participants' requests to partake sent to DESLEVS-FHET@mod.gov.uk.
The questionnaire document describes in detail the process for completing and requests that all responses are submitted by the deadline of 1200hrs noon, Friday 16 May 2025 GMT.
Due to the timescales associated with this PME, the Authority is only able to answer clarification questions that are submitted no later than 1200hrs, 2 May 2025 GMT, to this email address: DESLEVS-FHET@mod.gov.uk with 'FHET PME Clarification Question' clearly stated in the subject title. We will endeavour to provide our answers by 1200hrs, 9 May 2025 GMT. For the sake of equality of information, a list of clarification questions and the Authority's response to those questions will be made available to all.
Submitted questionnaires will be compiled for analysis and processed to inform the Authority's approach and procurement strategy.
Any comments, indications of interest, participation, or non-participation by any organisation at this stage will not influence the process, selection and/or award decision for any future possible procurement, nor will it be taken as a supplier's committed position.
Non-participation in this pre-market engagement will not be taken into account in any related future procurement.
For the avoidance of doubt, this PME does not constitute a commitment to launch a formal procurement procedure.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
30 May 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Defence and security
Contracting authority
Defence Equipment and Support
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRL-5831-GLMM
MOD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Penko Vargulev
Email: DESLEVS-FHET@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government