Scope
Reference
715245452-13 Pounder Design Organisation (DO)
Description
1. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) require a Design Organisation (DO) for the Ordnance, Quick Firing 13 Pounder Gun and Limber to ensure its availability, reliability and maintainability until it's Out of Service Date (OSD) of 2030. The 13 Pounder DO include subsequent Post Design Services (PDS) that have core and non-core activities. This Project will provide assurance that capability can be retained in-service to enable Kings Troop to safely fulfil their State Ceremonial and Public Duties until the OSD in 2030 (Potential to change).
2. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice has been issued to provide information to the market that DE&S TOWED is planning to procure Design Authority for 13pd and needs further intel to understand the feasibility of the requirement to enable it to develop the procurement strategy.
3. The tasks required to maintain the 13 Pounder Capability are as follows:
Configuration Management Plan - Develop and maintain a comprehensive Configuration Management Plan. Ensure the plan includes all associated tasks, such as maintaining configuration baselines, status records, drawings, and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs).
Design Documentation - Update and maintain all design documentation, including drawings, verification data, and specifications. Ensure all documentation complies with the Authority's procedures and adheres to the standards outlined in DEF STAN 05-10 (Parts 1-2) and DEF STAN 05-061 Part 1.
Proposed Modifications - Identify, propose, and document modifications as required.
Certificates of Design - Provide or Manage Certificates of Design to confirm compliance with design requirements and standards.
Supporting Documentation - Produce all supporting documentation as specified in the 13 Pounder Statement of Work (SOW).
Ad-Hoc and Non-Core Activities - Fulfil all ad-hoc and non-core activities as outlined in the 13 Pounder SOW.
Obsolescence Management - Produce and maintain annually an Obsolescence Management Plan (OMP) for the 13 Pounder including an Obsolescence Report Status List
4. The Towed Artillery Systems anticipates a contract duration of 3 years with a 1-year options (3+1) to extend.
5. Note: The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) may be subject to change. Insofar as is permitted by law, the Authority shall not be liable for any losses incurred by any party as a result of reliance on the information contained herein.
6. Whilst a complete solution is being sought, DE&S encourages participation in the RFI, which is to be issued within 10 working days from the date of this notice.
7. Note: This PMEN is not a means to seek formal expression of interest and shall not constitute a commitment to instigate a formal procurement process for the requirement.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,500,000 excluding VAT
- £3,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 4 May 2026 to 3 May 2029
- Possible extension to 3 May 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
1 Option Year after the end of initial contract
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
1 Option Year after the end of initial contract
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 35000000 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment
- 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
N/A
Technical ability conditions of participation
N/A
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
24 October 2025
Enquiry deadline
7 November 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
9 January 2026, 11:59pm
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 March 2026
Other information
Payment terms
N/A
Description of risks to contract performance
N/A
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open 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
Contact name: Vincent Onakpome
Email: vincent.onakpome100@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government