Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name, addresses and contact point(s)
Ministry of Defence
Team Hypersonics (UK), MoD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
For the attention of
Scott Taggart
Email(s)
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
General address of the contracting authority/entity
Address of the buyer profile
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
Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework
two.1.2) Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance
Services
Service category No 3: Defence services, military defence services and civil defence services
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
two.1.3) Information on framework agreement
The notice involves the establishment of a framework agreement
two.1.4) Information on framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
Duration of the framework agreement
Duration in years: 7
Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement
Estimated value excluding VAT:
£1,000,000,000
two.1.5) Short description of the contract or purchase(s)
As part of the Team Hypersonics (UK) delivery strategy, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) intends to establish a multi-supplier Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework Agreement (the Framework). The aim of the Framework is to accelerate development of the United Kingdom Hypersonic Strike Capability and to provide a route to market for future operational elements of hypersonic and adjacent technologies. The Framework will be used to facilitate collaboration between MoD, industry and academia to accelerate the acquisition of an advanced Hypersonic Strike Capability.
The nature of the procurement will involve the provision of services and supplies across 8 (eight) distinct lots. Descriptions of each of the lots are further identified within this notice and the draft Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents, accessible through the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP). The Framework will be used to appoint suppliers to deliver services and supplies to support the research, development and testing of hypersonic technologies with varying Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs). The maturity of the services and supplies provided under the resulting Call Off contracts will be up to TRL 9.
Services and supplies to be procured through the Framework are likely to include, but will not be limited to research, systems, components, technology, the provision of infrastructure, testing and other related expertise and materials across two categories, ‘functional components’ and ‘non-functional components’. Functional components could include liquid propellants, solid propellants, propulsion systems, airframes, flight control computer systems, guidance systems and sensors, communications and data links systems, system and parts integration, physical flight control systems, warheads, power supply and distribution, battery, actuators (fin & thrust control), high temperature materials and seekers. Non-functional components could include test and evaluation, platform integration, academic research, system design authority, modelling and simulation, specialists, integrated solution, thermal management, infrastructure, mission planning, assurance.
It is anticipated that the Framework will have a value up to £1bn and will run for up to a 7 (seven) year period. The Framework term will comprise two break points at years 3 (three) and 5 (five) of the Framework, at which point the Authority can decide whether to maintain or terminate the Framework. The Framework is set to allow for discretionary indexation of maximum Framework rates at years 3 (three) and 5 (five), at the Authority’s sole discretion.
The Framework will permit the periodic onboarding of new suppliers approximately every 6 to 12 months (from Framework commencement), at the Authority’s sole discretion, and new opportunities to join will be advertised using the Defence Sourcing Portal. Those wishing to join the Framework during the onboarding window will be required to submit a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) and ITT response and will be evaluated on the same basis as the existing suppliers on the Framework. If successful, new suppliers that are onboarded will be awarded a contract for the remaining duration of the 7 (seven) year period.
During the onboarding window, existing Framework suppliers on the Framework will not be required to re-tender following their initial appointment, but will be subject to due diligence checks to ensure their ongoing suitability to the framework. During the onboarding window existing Framework suppliers will be able to apply join a new lot and will need to submit a new ITT response for any additional lots which will be evaluated against the same standards as new entrants. Existing Framework suppliers will also be required to confirm whether there have been any changes to their original PQQ response. Onboarding new suppliers throughout the term of the Framework will ensure that it remains relevant in a fast changing political, technological and regulatory landscape.
The underlying Framework Terms and Conditions will not be altered as part of the onboarding process described above.
Acceptance onto the Framework will be subject to successfully meeting all of the pre-defined criteria and minimum standards stated within the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and ITT. Both processes (PQQ and ITT) will be undertaken through the DSP. There will be no minimum or maximum number of suppliers per lot.
Applicants will need to participate in a “Restricted” procurement process to be awarded a place on the Framework, this will consist of:
1. Applicants will need to submit a response to the PQQ, which is accessible through the DSP, within the time period stated in the tender documents and the cover letter.
2. The Authority will evaluate PQQ responses and determine which Applicants meet the stated evaluation criteria/mandatory minimum requirements stated in the PQQ.
3. Those suppliers who are successful in meeting the mandatory minimum requirements will be invited to the ITT stage, which will be released through the DSP.
4. Applicants will submit a bid response in accordance with the ITT instructions.
5. Any clarifications required will be raised by Bidders and answered by the Authority.
6. The Authority will evaluate responses received in accordance with the instructions stated in the ITT.
7. Bidders who are successful in meeting the stated evaluation criteria in the ITT will be awarded a place on the Framework (subject to approvals and contract signature).
Task orders under the Framework will be awarded as Call-Off contracts, either through a Mini-Competition (the default route) between all suppliers on a chosen lot(s), or in certain circumstances, through a Direct Award process. The Authority will reserve the right, at its sole discretion, to Direct Award Framework Tasks to a chosen supplier. Grounds under which the Authority may pursue a Direct Award may include, but are not limited to national security, exclusive rights, urgency, absence of competition, or other grounds that the Authority deems necessitate the Direct Award of a contract.
In certain cases, due to the nature of the required supplies and services, Bidders may need to evidence that they meet specified security, nationality and confidentiality requirements and standards. The required suitability/eligibility criteria for a Mini-Competition/Call-Off will be identified, and assessed, either through a sifting process (prior to the release of the Mini-Competition documents), or within the Mini-Competition documents. The Authority shall have sole discretion in determining whether to use a sifting process prior to each Mini-Competition.
As per Regulation 6(3A)(b) of Defence and Security Public Contract Regulations 2011 (“DSPCR 2011”), this procurement, and any resulting Call Off contracts, are exempt from the requirements of the DSPCR 2011 and the specified retained EU Law (as defined by Regulation 6(7) of the DSPCR 2011) to protect the UK’s national security interests. By submitting a response to the PQQ you acknowledge that none of the obligations, rights and remedies deriving from the DSPCR and/or from the specified retained EU law apply to this Procurement.
The Authority will be holding an optional supplier briefing/launch conference for Applicants on 19/12/2023. The session will be held virtually and will provide an overview of the procurement process with an opportunity to ask questions. If you would like to attend the session, please register for the opportunity on DSP and send a message identifying the proposed attendees (including email address) to the Authority no later than 2pm on 18/12/2023. Please note that the participation will be limited to three attendees per organisation.
two.1.6) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
Additional CPV code(s)
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
two.1.8) Lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
Information about lots
Lot No
1
Lot title
Design and Integration
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Platform integration, Systems integration and design authority, Thermal management, Infrastructure.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
2
Lot title
Modelling, Simulation, Testing and Evaluation
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Modelling & simulation, Mission Planning, Test & Evaluation, Assurance.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
3
Lot title
Airframe and Power Generation
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Airframe, Physical flight control system, High Temp Materials,
Power Supply & Distribution.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
4
Lot title
Low TRL / Specialists
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Academic Research, Specialists.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
5
Lot title
Lethal Package
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Warhead, Fuse.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
6
Lot title
Propulsion
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Liquid Propellant, Solid Propellant, Propulsion System.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
7
Lot title
Onboard Computing
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Flight control computer systems, Guidance systems & sensors,
Comms & data links systems.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Lot No
8
Lot title
Seekers
1) Short description
Services and supplies relating to: Seekers.
A detailed lot description is provided in the ITT documents.
2) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
- 75220000 - Defence services
CPV additional
- 35600000 - Military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 35620000 - Missiles
- 35622100 - Air-to-air missiles
- 35623000 - Cruise missiles
- 35623100 - Air/ground/sea launched cruise missiles
- 72227000 - Software integration consultancy services
- 72228000 - Hardware integration consultancy services
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
- 73410000 - Military research and technology
- 73420000 - Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration
- 73425000 - Development of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
- 73430000 - Test and evaluation
- 73435000 - Test and evaluation of military aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts
4) Indication about different date for duration of contract or starting/completion
Duration in months: 84 (from the award of the contract)
5) Additional information about lots
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions relating to the contract
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
Applicants must note that certain Mini-Competitions may require suppliers to demonstrate they have adequate information security provisions in place, this may include entering into further confidentiality provisions. These requirements may be a pre-requisite to participating in Mini-Competitions or any Call Off Contract.
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)
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: Full Pre-Qualification and award criteria is stated within the PQQ and ITT documents. To be awarded a place on the Framework, Applicants will need to successfully meet the requirements of the PQQ and ITT stage.
At the PQQ stage, to be shortlisted and invited to the ITT stage, Applicants are required to meet the following rules:
1. “Pass” all Pass/Fail questions within the PQQ - Applicants who receive a "Fail" score for any of the Pass/Fail questions in the PQQ will be ineligible to participate in the ITT stage.
2. Not meet any of the other stated exclusion grounds or criteria in the PQQ (e.g. National Security grounds) – those Applicants that do, will be ineligible to participate in the ITT stage.
PQQ questions which constitute mandatory minimum requirements have a "Pass"/"Fail" criterion assigned. Pass/Fail criteria and any other grounds for exclusion is identified in the PQQ itself within the Evaluation Guidance, notices and/or questions.
Following successful completion of the PQQ (with no “Fail” scores assigned by the Authority) and compliance against the specified mandatory Pass/Fail criteria, Applicants will be invited to submit a tender (through the Invitation to Tender/ITT process) to apply for the Framework against the Lots the Applicant selected at the PQQ stage.
At the ITT stage, to be awarded a place on the Framework Applicants will be required to submit a commercial and technical proposal and both components will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis in accordance with the criteria stated within the ITT. Applicants will be required to “Pass” both components to be awarded a place on the Framework on the relevant Lot.
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)
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: See III.2.2
Section four: Procedure
four.1) Type of procedure
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Restricted
four.3) Administrative information
four.3.4) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
12 January 2024 - 5:00pm
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
The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.
six.4) Procedures for appeal
six.4.1) Body responsible for appeal procedures
Ministry of Defence
MoD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Country
United Kingdom