701553383 - JES/00138 - ARDENT WOLF

The Authority has a potential requirement for the delivery and in-service support of a new Maritime Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM) capability being fitted to the Type 23 frigates, that will provide Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance. ARDENT WOLF will replace the current CESM capability on the Type 23 frigates. The proposed solution will need to consist mostly of a readily available Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) product that is at a high Technical Readiness Level (TRL).

The planned contractual duration is six (6) years.

The Authority is holding a Market engagement brief for interested suppliers where further details regarding the project will be briefed. The market engagement brief will be held virtually on Monday 17th May 2021 (full details will be provided to approved attendees).

Please note, attendance is limited to a maximum of two (2) employees per Company and only one (1) division of a Company. All attendees will need to have UK SC clearance as a minimum to attend this Market engagement brief.

If you would like to attend the market engagement brief, please express your interest via email to Kate.French103@mod.gov.uk. Interested parties should respond no later than 17:00 BST Monday 10th May 2021 and provide the following details:

• The names of the employees who are nominated to attend.
• E-mail address and contact telephone number (for each individual).
• Security Clearance level held (for each individual).
• Security Clearance details (to be provided by the Company security officer).

The Authority reserves the right to take a discretionary view for responses received after this period. In addition, the Authority reserves the right to restrict or refuse attendance where deemed appropriate to do so.

The Authority reserves the right to hold further individual (1-2-1) sessions with parties which participate in the market engagement brief, to understand the industrial landscape and potential solutions.

Following the market engagement brief, the Authority anticipates launching the procurement by advertising a Contract Notice.

Prospective suppliers will be required to hold UK List X status at Contract Award. Tenderers will be required to hold a minimum of SC clearance to have access to the PQQ and ITN documentation. Before you apply to attend the Market engagement brief, please consider your ability to meet these requirements.

The Authority may at its sole discretion amend and/ or cancel this early market engagement/ subsequent procurement process or withdraw this PIN at any time for any reason. No contractual rights express or implied arise out of this notice.

Indicative time frames for the procurement (subject to confirmation/ change by the Authority):

Contract Notice & Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ): June 21

Invitation to Negotiate (ITN): Aug 21

Contract Award: April 22