Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name, addresses and contact point(s)
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence, Air Support, C17CSAE NH1 Atrium, #1027
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Contact
C17CSAE Commercial Team
For the attention of
C17CSAE Commercial Team
Email(s)
DESC17CSAE-Commercial@mod.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
General address of the contracting authority/entity
https://contracts.mod.uk/web/login.html
Electronic submission of tenders and requests to participate
https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=56423
Further information
Further information can be obtained from the above mentioned contact point(s)
Specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained from
The above-mentioned contact point(s)
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to
The above-mentioned contact point(s)
one.2) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
one.3) Main activity
Defence
one.4) Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities/entities
The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities:
No
Section two: Object of the contract
two.1) Description
two.1.1) Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority
Provision of Parachute Packing and Maintenance in the UK
two.1.2) Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance
Services
Service category No 1: Maintenance and repair services
Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance
UK
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
two.1.5) Short description of the contract or purchase(s)
The UK MOD has a requirement for the provision of a parachute packing, maintenance and inventory management service based in the UK, in support of an estimated 15,000-25,000 parachute descents per annum, for a duration of 5 years.
This service will include but is not limited to the undertaking of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, modifications, Special Instructions (Technical) updates, inspections, training, storage, inventory management and transportation of parachute equipment to and from UK locations, with the aim of optimising parachute availability.
The parachute equipment that will be supported includes, but is not limited to, various types of precision, low level, mass insertion and cargo parachutes and reserves along with associated ancillary equipment such as parachute release assemblies, carrying straps and life preservers (‘Parachute Equipment’).
The Authority intends to award the contract in Q3/Q4 2024 with transition to full service commencement required by 1 Apr 25.
two.1.6) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75221000 - Military defence services
Additional CPV code(s)
- 39523000 - Parachutes
two.1.7) Information about subcontracting
The tenderer has to indicate in the tender any share of the contract it may intend to subcontract to third parties and any proposed subcontractor, as well as the subject-matter of the subcontracts for which they are proposed
two.1.8) Lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.9) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2) Quantity or scope of the contract
two.2.1) Total quantity or scope
The UK MOD has a requirement for the provision of a parachute packing, maintenance and inventory management service, based in the UK, in support of the MOD’s parachuting programme which conducts an estimated 15,000-25,000 parachute descents per annum. The duration of this requirement will be 5 years, however, the Authority may at its sole discretion extend the contract by a maximum of 2 years (taken in single or multiple year intervals).
The Parachute Equipment that will be supported includes, but is not limited to, various types of precision, low level, mass insertion, cargo parachutes and reserves along with associated ancillary equipment such as parachute release assemblies, carrying straps and life preservers (‘Parachute Equipment’).
New parachute systems may be brought into UK MOD service and into the scope of the requirement during the life of the contract.
The required service will include:
• packing and re-packing of UK military personnel and cargo Parachute Equipment with a quick turnaround to meet the Authority’s operational and exercise plans. This will include the washing and drying of Parachute Equipment when necessary, in accordance with procedures dictated by the Authority;
• maintenance of Parachute Equipment which will include, but is not limited to, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, modifications, Special Instructions (Technical) updates and inspections in accordance with the Authority’s procedures and timescales. These maintenance activities are to be undertaken at a UK facility provided by the successful tenderer, however, there may be a requirement by exception to provide this service from other UK locations when directed by the Authority;
• an out of hours Point of Contact for urgent enquiries;
• transportation of Parachute Equipment to and from RAF Brize Norton and other locations across the UK as required;
• providing a dedicated storage facility of approximately 80,000 square feet which is climate controlled and fully equipped for storage of up to 20,000 items of Parachute Equipment;
• managing data capture on equipment conditions, providing the Authority with updates on the status of parachute inventory and managing replenishment activities to maintain a consistent availability of equipment;
• safe disposal of Parachute Equipment as and when required;
• training of MOD personnel in Personnel and Cargo Parachute Equipment packing and maintenance
All work is to be conducted in accordance with the latest Civil and Military airworthiness regulations.
There may also be a requirement to perform further ad-hoc tasks upon formal request by the Authority.
The Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) will be used to manage the DPQQ and Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, including evaluation. Access to the DSP is required to complete the DPQQ and it is recommended that access is requested via Supplier Registration Page.
The DPQQ can be accessed here - https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=56423
The deadline for receipt of clarification questions relating to the DPQQ is 16:00 GMT on Friday 10th November 2023.
The closing date for DPQQ submissions is 16:00 GMT on Monday 20th November 2023.
Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time when responding to this opportunity prior to the closing date and time, especially if you have been asked to upload documents.
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the DSP Supplier Helpdesk by emailing customersupport@jaggaer.com.
Estimated value excluding VAT:
Range: between £24,000,000 and £28,000,000
two.2.2) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of these options: In addition to the previously stated contract duration of five years, the Authority may at its sole discretion extend the contract by a maximum of 2 years (taken in single or multiple year intervals).
The £24,000,000 to £28,000,000 estimated Contract value is inclusive of the value relating to the above options.
two.2.3) Information about renewals
This contract is subject to renewal: No
two.3) Duration of the contract or time limit for completion
Start date: 1 September 2024
End date: 31 March 2029
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions relating to the contract
three.1.1) Deposits and guarantees required
As stipulated (if appropriate) within the Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (DPQQ) and later within the Invitation To Tender (ITT).
three.1.2) Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions governing them
As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
three.1.3) Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded
As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
three.1.4) Other particular conditions to which the performance of the contract is subject, in particular with regard to security of supply and security of information
No part of the Contract is classed as higher than OFFICIAL SENSITIVE. OFFICIAL and OFFICIAL SENSITIVE material shall be protected by the Contractor in a manner to avoid unauthorised access. The Contractor will be required to ensure that all individuals having access to OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE information have undergone necessary recruitment checks.
three.2) Conditions for participation
three.2.1) Personal situation
Criteria regarding the personal situation of economic operators (that may lead to their exclusion) including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Suppliers Instructions How to Express Interest in this Tender:
1. Register your company on the eSourcing portal (this is only required once)
- Browse to the eSourcing Portal
- Click the “Click here to register” link
- Accept the terms and conditions and click “continue”
- Enter your correct business and user details
- Note the username you chose and click “Save” when complete
- You will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure)
2. Express an Interest in the tender
- Login to the portal with the username/password
- Click the "PQQs Open to All Suppliers" link. (These are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires open to any registered supplier)
- Click on the relevant PQQ to access the content.
- Click the “Express Interest” button in the “Actions” box on the left-hand side of the page.
- This will move the PQQ into your “My PQQs” page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only)
- Click on the PQQ code, you can now access any attachments by clicking the “Settings and Buyer Attachments” in the “Actions” box
3. Responding to the tender
- You can now choose to “Reply” or “Reject” (please give a reason if rejecting)
- You can now use the ‘Messages’ function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification
- Note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ
- There may be a mixture of online & offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available)
If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the eTendering help desk.
Criteria regarding the personal situation of subcontractors (that may lead to their rejection) including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Suppliers Instructions How to Express Interest in this Tender:
1. Register your company on the eSourcing portal (this is only required once)
- Browse to the eSourcing Portal
- Click the “Click here to register” link
- Accept the terms and conditions and click “continue”
- Enter your correct business and user details
- Note the username you chose and click “Save” when complete
- You will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure)
2. Express an Interest in the tender
- Login to the portal with the username/password
- Click the "PQQs Open to All Suppliers" link. (These are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires open to any registered supplier)
- Click on the relevant PQQ to access the content.
- Click the “Express Interest” button in the “Actions” box on the left-hand side of the page.
- This will move the PQQ into your “My PQQs” page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only)
- Click on the PQQ code, you can now access any attachments by clicking the “Settings and Buyer Attachments” in the “Actions” box
3. Responding to the tender
- You can now choose to “Reply” or “Reject” (please give a reason if rejecting)
- You can now use the ‘Messages’ function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification
- Note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ
- There may be a mixture of online & offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available)
If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the eTendering help desk.
three.2.2) Economic and financial ability
Criteria regarding the economic and financial standing of economic operators (that may lead to their exclusion)
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
Criteria regarding the economic and financial standing of subcontractors (that may lead to their exclusion)
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
three.2.3) Technical and/or professional capacity
Criteria regarding the technical and/or professional ability of economic operators (that may lead to their exclusion)
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: (a) Bidders are expected to hold, or willing to obtain Maintenance Approved Organisation Scheme (MAOS) accreditation in accordance with MAA Regulatory Article 5850.
(b) Prospective contractors are required to hold Quality Management System certification to AS 9100 or suitable alternative, with the appropriate scope to deliver contract requirements, issued by a Nationally Accredited Certification Body. You will be required to provide a copy of the certificate(s) as directed by any Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (DPQQ) or Invitation to Tender (ITT) associated with this Notice, and in any event, the winning supplier will be required to provide it for review prior to contract award. The contractual condition for quality will be Allied Quality Assurance Publication AQAP 2310.
And as further stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
Criteria regarding the technical and/or professional ability of subcontractors (that may lead to their rejection)
Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: As stipulated (if appropriate) within the DPQQ and later within the ITT.
three.3) Conditions specific to services contracts
three.3.1) Information about a particular profession
Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: No
Section four: Procedure
four.1) Type of procedure
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated
four.1.2) Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate
Envisaged minimum number 1 and maximum number 5
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: As stipulated within the DPQQ and DPQQ Guidance, Instructions, Conditions and Project Questions Scoring Matrix Document.
four.2) Award criteria
four.2.1) Award criteria
the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document
four.2.2) Information about electronic auction
An electronic auction has been used: no
four.3) Administrative information
four.3.2) Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract
no
four.3.4) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
20 November 2023 - 4:00pm
four.3.6) Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up
English
Section six: Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about European Union funds
The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
six.3) Additional information
As this procurement relates to the provision of services used for military purposes, the Authority will comply with the Defence & Security Public Contract Regulations (DSPCR 2011). The procurement will operate under the negotiated procedure with prior publication of a contract notice (the “competitive negotiated procedure”).
The Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) will be used to manage the DPQQ and Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, including evaluation. Access to the DSP is required to complete the DPQQ and it is recommended that access is requested via Supplier Registration Page.
Following DPQQ evaluation, the Authority intends to invite a maximum of 5 (five) respondents to the ITT phase. The Authority reserves the right to award the Contract to the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) in accordance with the scoring criteria following evaluation of the tenders.
The Authority trades using the electronic ‘Contracting, Purchasing & Finance’ system (CP&F). Before completing the DPQQ, any interested parties should ensure that they have the ability to trade electronically, and the willingness connect to the CP&F System in the event of being successful.
A Cyber Risk Assessment has been conducted for this requirement to ascertain the level of Cyber Risk present. The result of this assessment is that a Cyber Risk level of 'Very Low’ exists and therefore successful respondents invited to ITT will need to meet Cyber Essentials requirements. Respondents can verify their readiness to comply with opportunities bearing this Cyber Risk Level by completing a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire using RAR code: 131900429
For further information refer to Def Stan 05-138, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-security-for-defence-suppliers-def-stan-05-138
The issue of this Contract Notice (CN) or any future ITT or ITT material is not a commitment by the Authority to place a contract as a result of this competition or at a later stage. Any expenditure, work or effort undertaken prior to any offer and subsequent acceptance of contract, is a matter solely for your commercial judgement. The Authority has conducted previous industry engagement using Defence Sourcing Portal, with a Request for Information (RFI) published 12/11/2021.
https://www.contracts.mod.uk/esop/toolkit/opportunity/past/52781/detail.si
The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.
The Authority reserves the right to amend any condition related to security of information to reflect any changes in national law or government policy. If any contract documents are accompanied by instructions on safeguarding classified information (e.g. a Security Aspects Letter), the Authority reserves the right to amend the terms of these instructions to reflect any changes in national law or government policy, whether in respect of the applicable protective marking scheme, specific protective markings given, the aspects to which any protective marking applies, or otherwise. The link below to the Gov.uk website provides information on the Government Security Classification.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-security-classifications
This contract opportunity is published on the Defence Sourcing Portal, Find a Tender and Contracts Finder.
Suppliers must read through this set of instructions and follow the process to respond to this opportunity.
The Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) will be used to manage the DPQQ and Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, including evaluation. Access to the DSP is required to complete the DPQQ and it is recommended that access is requested via Supplier Registration Page.
The DPQQ can be accessed here - https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=56423
The deadline for receipt of clarification questions relating to the DPQQ is 16:00 GMT on Friday 10th November 2023.
The closing date for DPQQ submissions is 16:00 GMT on Monday 20th November 2023.
Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time when responding to this opportunity prior to the closing date and time, especially if you have been asked to upload documents.
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the DSP Supplier Helpdesk by emailing customersupport@jaggaer.com.
six.4) Procedures for appeal
six.4.1) Body responsible for appeal procedures
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence, Air Support, C17CSAE NH1 Atrium, #1027
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Email(s)
DESC17CSAE-Commercial@mod.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.1) Body responsible for mediation procedures
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence, Air Support, C17CSAE NH1 Atrium, #1027
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Email(s)
DESC17CSAE-Commercial@mod.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence, Air Support, C17CSAE NH1 Atrium, #1027
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Email(s)
DESC17CSAE-Commercial@mod.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom