NATO Submarine Rescue System Third In-Service Support Period

Description

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) has a potential requirement for the provision of a Government Owned Contractor Operated service to ensure continued availability and capability of the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) from mid-2023. NSRS is a tri-national project established in 2003 to deliver a submarine rescue capability to the United Kingdom (UK), France and Norway (collectively known as the Participant Nations). The SDA acting on behalf of the UK, operates as the designated lead nation responsible for the commercial arrangements under which NSRS is delivered. NSRS is a world leading capability for Submarine Rescue and the next phase of this project (known as the Third In-Service Support project or 3ISS) offers an exciting opportunity for potential suppliers to operate and maintain a worldwide, continuously available and sustainable submarine rescue capability, supporting the Participant Nations and wider NATO community. NSRS is comprised of three overarching systems; a) Intervention – Intervention Remote Operated Vehicle (IROV) and supporting equipment which provides the capability to locate, examine, clear debris and deliver vital emergency supplies to enable rescue; b) Rescue - Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) and supporting equipment used to dock and enact escape from a distressed submarine, launched from a Mothership (MOSHIP) using a Portable Launch and Recovery System; and c) Transfer Under Pressure System (TUP) - A suite of decompression chambers located on-board the deck of a MOSHIP and used to bring rescued crew back to the correct atmospheric pressure as well as treat casualties. The scope of the 3ISS requirement is expected to include, but not be limited to; a) Provision of project and programme management to oversee the management and maintain capability and availability of the system; b) Provision of a complete contractor operated service; c) Continuous maintenance and support of NSRS assets and systems; d) Mobilisation and conducting NSRS training exercises; e) Obsolescence management; and f) Spares management. 3ISS is expected to be operate across a 9-year term from mid-2023 to align with both the end of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Participant Nations and the current NSRS out-of-service date. A Market Engagement Event is planned to take place on the 30th March 2021 to be conducted virtually. The aim of this event is to allow the SDA to outline to Industry the NSRS capabilities and operational challenges and to explore the extent to which Industry might be able to deliver enhanced NSRS availability and capability. To be able to attend the event, all requests must be submitted via the Defence Sourcing Portal and should include company e-mail addresses and the names and positions of the proposed attendees. All requests must be provided no later than 23rd March 2021 to be considered for attendance at the event. Suppliers should be aware that participation in the Market Engagement Event is entirely voluntary and the MOD shall not bear any associated costs. Suppliers should also note there is no commitment on the part of MOD to enter into any binding contractual arrangements with suppliers through this market engagement process. Equally, non-participation in this engagement event will not be considered in any future procurement activities. You must not take this announcement to mean confirmation that MOD shall award a contract for this requirement. The MOD is publishing this announcement without any commitment to issue a tender or place a contract. Accordingly, any expenditure, work or effort undertaken before contract award is a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers.