In Service Support of Platform Data Management Systems

Descriptions

Description

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) intends to initiate the procurement process for a new In-Service Support (ISS) contract covering Platform Data Management (PDM) systems including post-design services, maintenance, technical repairs, replacement component spares, and obsolescence management. The systems installed across Royal Navy Type 23 Frigates, Single Role Mine Hunters, Vanguard Class Submarines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.

Equipment in scope

PDM2, PDM3, PDM4 and PDM 5 variants

Services required:

Maintenance & Repairs: Provision of maintenance spares, repairs, and engineering support, including defect sentencing, helpdesk, and technical advice (including S2022 defect reports).

Post-Design Services: Support for design changes.

Obsolescence Management: Proactive identification, monitoring and resolution of obsolescence issues.

Configuration Management: Maintenance of configuration control records, system drawings, specifications, and documentation to the latest approved standards.

Documentation & Knowledge Management: Maintenance of all technical documentation, manuals, drawings, and records.

Safety & Environmental Management: Compliance with MOD safety and environmental management standards, including annual safety reviews and hazard log contributions.

Quality Management: Operation of a Quality Management System and regular quality audits.

Performance & Reporting: Attendance to progress meetings, performance reports, including KPIs, risk registers, and meeting minutes.

Training: Provision of Train the Trainer and surge training as required.

Supplementary tasks

Additional health checks, operator/maintainer training, and technical support as required

Standards and Compliance

The contractor must comply with all relevant MOD and statutory standards. At this stage (Pipeline Notice), it's not always possible to provide a definitive list, as the specific standards will depend on the final scope of work and contract requirements. However, this typically includes:

MOD standards such as Defence Standards (DEFSTANs), Joint Service Publications (JSPs), and relevant MOD policy documents.

Statutory standards, including UK legislation on health and safety, environmental protection, and data protection.

Any additional standards specified in the Statement of Requirement or contract documentation.

If more detail is required later in the process, we can clarify the applicable standards based on the finalised requirements.

Risk and Security Considerations

MOD security regulations apply.

Suppliers must meet relevant security clearance requirements. Personnel who require access to classified information or MOD sites must hold Security Check (SC) clearance.

National security and sensitive site information will be managed in accordance with PA 2023 Section 94 and MOD policy.

Procurement Procedure

A Direct Award to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Ultra Maritime, is anticipated for the in-service support of Platform Data Management (PDM) Systems. This approach is justified on both technical and intellectual property grounds:

Technical Justification: Ultra Maritime is the Design Authority and has unique specialist knowledge, proprietary test and repair equipment, and the necessary technical expertise to support the PDM systems fitted to Royal Navy and RFA vessels. The complexity and criticality of these systems, along with the need for ongoing support, updates, and obsolescence management, mean that only Ultra Maritime can deliver the required services without significant risk to operational readiness.

Intellectual Property: Ultra Maritime holds exclusive intellectual property rights for the design, software, and test infrastructure of the PDM systems. This restricts the Authority's ability to transfer support to an alternative supplier without unacceptable risk or disruption.

The procurement process will comply with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 and the Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR) 2014. Further details, including the final procurement procedure, will be confirmed in the tender notice.

Social Value and Sustainability

This procurement will include a focus on social value, in line with the Government's Social Value Model and as mandated by procurement policy.

Suppliers will be required to demonstrate how they will deliver additional social, economic, and environmental benefits through the contract.

Sustainability will be prioritised, with a focus on repair over replacement and minimising environmental impact.