Scope
Description
The user requires a DLSE Telemetry capability that provides real-time data collection and monitoring capabilities for divers, enhancing diver safety and improving diving management of the diving project. The diving telemetry system should provide real-time data collection, safety features, data logging, durability, compatibility and a user-friendly interface to enhance the diving experience and ensure diver safety. The system should be compatible with current in service DLSE and potential future replacements that are currently being investigated. It should offer wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth to enable seamless communication with diver worn systems as well as smartphones, tablets, or other external devices utilised on the surface by the surface crew.
The capability shall be specified, acquired, operated and maintained so that risks to users' lives and health are As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) within the Military Diving Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) under JSP 286 Defence Diving Regulations, whilst also safeguarding the operational effectiveness and unique nature of tasks defined in the JSP 286 Defence Diving Guidance (the Defence Code of Practice) and BRd 2808 - Diver Underwater Tasks Manual.
Military Diving requires a rapidly deployable capability that can function worldwide, in austere operating locations, within variable quality of water and water conditions encountered in the world's oceans, harbours, rivers, lakes and inland waterways (including moving water environments).
Subsurface Conditions. Military Diving will continue to operate in both the operational and training environments in worldwide diving locations. The diving conditions vary from benign (controlled environment training area) to challenging (flowing water and ice diving), with extremes of water temperature, varying levels of in water visibility and poor levels of water quality.
Surface Conditions. To meet worldwide military tasking, the capability must be operable in extreme and austere Surface Environmental considerations - humidity, dust, freezing, heat and solar exposure. Experience has proven that military tasks will often need to be conducted from improvised points of entry and platforms of opportunity making the ruggedisation and minimisation of equipment/transport packaging key to safe and effective employment.
Depth & Duration. Diving telemetry will have utility across both air and mixed gas diving DLSE. Therefore, it will be required to operate to meet the range of requirements across multiple user groups. The maximum depth requirement identified is 100m with a maximum duration requirement of 10 hours for location and 6 hours for diving data.
Equipment design should minimise snagging risks and not significantly increase the diver's fluid dynamic profile in flowing water. The telemetry equipment must be protected during entry and recovery of the diver to the water with consideration for detached diving from a small platform. It must also be provided with adequate protection during transportation to the dive site. It should be maintainable through equipment life, predominantly by trained users and with limited OEM maintenance requirements.
Total value (estimated)
- £4,583,333.33 excluding VAT
- £5,500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2027 to 7 October 2032
- 5 years, 7 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 37412240 - Diving instruments or accessories
- 37412241 - Breathing apparatus for diving
- 37412242 - Diving wear
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
23 May 2025
Engagement process description
The Authority is holding a Supplier Day with individual face-to-face meetings, held over w/c Monday, 9 June 2025.
Slots will be arranged directly with respondents.
The Authority request that you prepare a presentation to cover the topics below:
• Brief company history including telemetry and support systems and its development.
• Overview of current off-the-shelf telemetry systems.
• Ability to work, and handle information, at a classified level.
• Ability to provide telemetry systems based on reconfiguring available technology, including indicative timescales for developing a working prototype for a new system.
• Ability to test systems to international standards, including what facilities are available to you for this purpose.
• Ability to rapidly move into production and supply, post-development.
• Ability to provide in-service support with technical development and upgrade throughout service life of equipment.
• Brief overview of telemetry systems supply chain.
• Ability to run a training solution (i.e. Train the Trainer).
Attending the meeting will be representatives of DE&S, including a commercial officer, and a maximum of three representatives from your company. The meeting will last a maximum of two hours. Please allow sufficient time for questions and discussion following the presentation. We recommend that the presentation lasts 40-45 minutes.
You are required to email the presentation to the Authority at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. This is to allow it to be presented digitally, as external visitors are not able to plug into MOD devices for security reasons. Please be assured that the Authority will not share the presentation beyond the DE&S Project Team.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
26 May 2026
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
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government