Scope
Description
The Authority intends to award a follow-on contract to L3 Harris, to provide storage, maintenance and repair services for a number of Authority owned surface vessels.
Contract 1. Surface Assets Storage and Maintenance
Supplier
Contract value
- £500,000 excluding VAT
- £600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
30 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 July 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 8 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Two option years FY26/27 and FY27/28
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Two option years FY26/27 and FY27/28
CPV classifications
- 50246100 - Dry-docking services
- 50244000 - Reconditioning services of ships or boats
- 50245000 - Upgrading services of ships
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Defence and security
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Continuation of technically specialist services, IP issues and timescales.
This is a follow-on contract for the Storage, Maintenance, Operation and Repair of the Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) assets. Service provision is required immediately.
MAST assets are complex system-of-systems that provide an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system capability. L3 Harris has unique SQEP specific to the Dstl-owned systems (which incorporate L3Harris and Dstl owned IP). They have a detailed knowledge of the system and can fulfil the role of 'Design Authority' to safely design vessel modifications for trial requirements (including integration of Third Party software, sensors and payloads), can safely operate the USV and ensure compliance with legislation, primarily the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Workboat Code, and the Ministry of Defence Certification requirements.
The MAST is a complex system of systems, which is software intensive. The software architecture includes software elements, with IP owned by Dstl and by L3Harris ASV distributed inextricably throughout. The expertise required to develop and integrate systems is the USP of L3 Harris and no other 3rd party would be able to get access to this due to the systems proprietary nature. The Dstl owned software cannot function without the OEM software.
Given the complex technical nature of the MAST systems and the IPR issues, any alternative supplier would introduce an unacceptable level of technical and project management risk to this procurement.
Supplier
L3HARRIS MAPPS LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXVB-2581-XCDJ
- Companies House: 05341813
1 Blossom Yard
London
E1 6RS
United Kingdom
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Surface Assets Storage and Maintenance
Contracting authority
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDDM-1961-MTLN
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JQ
United Kingdom
Email: PLS_Transparency@dstl.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laborator
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government