Tender

BEROE Mission Control System (MCS)

  • Ministry of Defence

F02: Contract notice

Notice identifier: 2022/S 000-020144

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-035558

Published 25 July 2022, 1:22pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Ministry of Defence

Bristol

Contact

Mr Doug Kershaw

Email

douglas.kershaw102@mod.gov.uk

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UK - United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://des.mod.uk/

Buyer's address

https://des.mod.uk/

one.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at

https://www.contracts.mod.uk/web/login.html

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via

https://www.contracts.mod.uk/web/login.html

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Ministry or any other national or federal authority

one.5) Main activity

Defence


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

BEROE Mission Control System (MCS)

Reference number

704294450

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 72211000 - Programming services of systems and user software

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

Background: DE&S (the Authority), under the Rapid Agile Prototyping, Scaled for Operations (RAPSO) Framework, intends to issue an Invitation To Tender “Lite” (ITT Lite) on behalf of Air Command (the Customer) to support the task objectives described in the Aim (below) and award zero (0), one (1) or more (with the intent being to take through two (2)) suppliers through to initial framework tasking under Lot 1). The intent for future BEROE work is to be placed under Lot 1 and/or the Operational Lot 2 subject to Authority approvals. Aim: The UK MoD requires a secure Ground Segment software solution for tasking, monitoring and controlling a space-based ISR constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites(s), which will form an integral component of the UK MoD ground segment architecture, acting as the primary mission control system for the Customer Satellite Operations Centre. The UK MoD is therefore seeking a provider to develop a technology roadmap, secure software development plan and assist (through demonstration & prototype development) with the maturation of system requirements and the development of a software architecture that will deliver an assured Mission Control System for space-based ISR command & control (C2) which is scalable to meet future operational needs, and enable interoperability with UK MoD owned space assets. The project, named BEROE, during the competition and development phases (refer to tender process stage 1-4), will focus on maturing, deriving and identifying UK MoD requirements, testing hypotheses, addressing key challenges and stimulating industry to develop product roadmaps to support future operational systems targeted for non-civilian use. Bidders will be requested to describe their ground segment software solution in terms of overall design, architecture and interfaces that enable the integration of protocols, operating procedures, development of user interfaces and compatibility with open standards. To establish a Bidders list for ITT, it is the Authority’s intention, through this DPQQ and Contract Notice, to source interest from and screen the capability of the industrial supply base. Participation at Invitation to Tender (ITT) will be subject to successfully passing a Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (DPQQ). The procurement process will be split across 4 stages. The Procurement will follow a 4 stage Competitive Procedure, defined below:

Stage 1: The first stage will be the DPQQ stage, which is designed to evaluate Commercial, Technical and Financial Capacity/Capability. Bidders who are successfully down selected at the DPQQ stage will proceed to the second stage.

Stage 2: The second stage will comprise of an Invitation to Tender Lite (ITT-Lite), whereby a request for proposal will be made by the Authority, which shall be scored and evaluated after submission. Participation at ITT-Lite will be subject to successfully passing the DPQQ. Bidders will be given a weighted score and will be required to pass both commercial and technical mandatory criteria at this stage. It is anticipated that up to 6 Bidders will proceed to Stage 3. All other suppliers will remain active and be eligible to bid for future tasks should the Authority re-open the lot. Stage 3: The third stage will involve the Authority inviting Bidders to demonstrate and present their solution. Bidders will be evaluated on both the demonstration, and the presentation, with a minimum entry criterion defined for proceeding to Stage 4. It should be noted that scores from Stage 2 will be included in the overall assessment for down-selection to Stage 4. All other suppliers will remain active and be eligible to bid for future tasks should the Authority re-open the lot. Stage 4: Will consist of Framework Contract Award to zero, one or more suppliers (subject to the minimum requirements) at ITT (ITT-lite & Demonstration) and satisfying the Minimum Entry Criteria (MEC) The intent is to take through 2 suppliers.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £20,000,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 2

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Lot No

1

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 72211000 - Programming services of systems and user software
  • 72212120 - Flight control software development services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The UK MoD requires a secure Ground Segment software solution for tasking, monitoring and controlling a space-based ISR constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites(s), which will form an integral component of the UK MoD ground segment architecture, acting as the primary mission control system for the Customer Satellite Operations Centre. The UK MoD is therefore seeking a provider to develop a technology roadmap, secure software development plan and assist (through demonstration & prototype development) with the maturation of system requirements and the development of a software architecture that will deliver an assured Mission Control System for space-based ISR command & control (C2) which is scalable to meet future operational needs, and enable interoperability with UK MoD owned space assets.

The project, named BEROE, during the competition and development phases (refer to tender process stage 1-4), will focus on maturing, deriving and identifying UK MoD requirements, testing hypotheses, addressing key challenges and stimulating industry to develop product roadmaps to support future operational systems targeted for non-civilian use.

Bidders will be requested to describe their ground segment software solution in terms of overall design, architecture and interfaces that enable the integration of protocols, operating procedures, development of user interfaces and compatibility with open standards.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

36

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

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

two.2.14) Additional information

Full details of the stages and evaluation process will be released within the ITT documentation to those who are successfully down selected from DPQQ. The MEC specified at Stage 3 must be met for a supplier to be added to this Lot. If a supplier is added to this Lot there is no guarantee of tasking. The Authority reserves the right to re-open Lot 1 over the duration of the Framework.

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

OPERATIONALISATION AND OPTIONS TO PURCHASE

Lot No

2

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

As per Lot 1 with Ground segment software solutions (core plus adaptions)

Intent

• This Lot focuses on taking viable products from Lot one (1) and bringing them into a wider service state. This Lot will address transitioning into a scalable task to provide operational volume, support, training and logistics.

• Access to this Lot will be achieved through successful development tasks from Lot (1). If an output of a development task results in a “Minimum Viable Product” the Contractor involved in that Task may be added to Lot two (2) as a single entity to enable the Authority to proceed to targeted tasks to purchase items to enter service.

• Tasks will be raised in this Lot to purchase the MVP item.

• Being added to this Lot does not guarantee tasking under the Framework.

• The Authority reserves the right not to open Lot two (2).

• The Authority reserves the right to scale/repeat purchase of a system – subject to MVP, Requirements and approvals.

• The Authority also reserves the right to reopen this LOT at any time during the life of the framework.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

36

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

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


Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information

three.1) Conditions for participation

three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

List and brief description of conditions

Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will outline expected selection criteria for suitability of organisations for enrolment to the Framework, and establish those organisations that will be invited to respond to the BEROE Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Framework.

three.1.2) Economic and financial standing

List and brief description of selection criteria

Economic Criteria will be outlined in the PQQ published within the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP)

three.1.3) Technical and professional ability

List and brief description of selection criteria

Technical and Professional Criteria will be outlined in the PQQ published within the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP).


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.1) Type of procedure

Restricted procedure

four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system

The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement

Framework agreement with several operators

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

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No

four.2) Administrative information

four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date

19 August 2022

Local time

5:00pm

four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted

English


Section six. Complementary information

six.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: No

six.2) Information about electronic workflows

Electronic payment will be used

six.3) Additional information

PQQ will be published through the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP).

Scoring a Fail against any DPQQ question will result in an automatic exclusion from being invited to tender. The Authority intends to proceed to the ITT Lite with all Bidders who pass the DPQQ. The Authority intends to proceed to the stage 3 (Demonstration) with up to six (6) Bidders, however, reserves the right to add more based on the quality of the returned proposals.

The Authority intends to proceed through to Stage 4 (Framework Contract Award) with 2 suppliers, however, reserves the right to add more or reduce the number of suppliers based on the quality of the overall assessments from Stage 3.

The award criteria will be weighted against Price, Technical and Social Value (20% price, 70% Technical, and 10% Social Value), to conclude ‘the most economically advantageous tender’ in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications. Specific criteria and weightings will be provided within the ITT. Scores from stage 2 will be combined with scores at stage to reach an overall score.

Contract Duration: The intended Framework length is thirty-six (36) months, the initial Lot (1) will be open until the end of FY 22/23 with the intent to re-open Lot 1 at the Authority’s discretion. Estimated value (including options): £20M ex VAT subject to authority spend approvals.

To Note: The total maximum value of the BEROE (Lot 1), FY 22/23 is up to 4.16M (ex VAT), subject to authority spend approvals.

Contract award date (Lot 1): Anticipated Q4 2022 (subject to change).

A Cyber Security Risk Assessment for this requirement has been carried out and returned a risk level of high risk (Reference RAR- 694839653). Bidders are therefore required to maintain a Cyber Essentials Scheme certification or equivalent to comply.

Timeline (indicative – subject to change):

Activity Date

Stage 1

DPQQ and Contract Notice issued Mon 25th July 2022

Final date for DPQQ Clarification Questions Wed 10th Aug 2022 17:00hrs

DPQQs returned to MOD Fri 19th Aug 2022 17:00hrs

Authority PQQ Evaluation period – Approximate timings

Mon 22nd Aug – Mon 5th Sept 2022

Stage 2

Invitation to Tender Lite issued September 2022

Bidders Conference (MS Teams) Within 2 weeks of ITT Lite issue

Stage 3

ITT in person demonstrations and Supplier presentations to the Authority October 2022

Authority ITT Evaluation Period - Approximate timings November 2022

Stage 4 Anticipated date of Contract Award (tasking form) under Lot 1 December 2022 (Q4 2022)

six.4) Procedures for review

six.4.1) Review body

Space Delivery Team

Spruce 1C, Abbey Wood

Bristol

Country

United Kingdom