Provision of Parachute Packing and Maintenance in the UK

The UK MOD has a requirement for the provision of a parachute packing, maintenance and inventory management service based in the UK, in support of an estimated 15,000-25,000 parachute descents per annum, for a duration of 5 years.

This service will include but is not limited to the undertaking of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, modifications, Special Instructions (Technical) updates, inspections, training, storage, inventory management and transportation of parachute equipment to and from UK locations, with the aim of optimising parachute availability.

The parachute equipment that will be supported includes, but is not limited to, various types of precision, low level, mass insertion and cargo parachutes and reserves along with associated ancillary equipment such as parachute release assemblies, carrying straps and life preservers (‘Parachute Equipment’).

The Authority intends to award the contract in Q3/Q4 2024 with transition to full service commencement required by 1 Apr 25. Quantity or scope: The UK MOD has a requirement for the provision of a parachute packing, maintenance and inventory management service, based in the UK, in support of the MOD’s parachuting programme which conducts an estimated 15,000-25,000 parachute descents per annum. The duration of this requirement will be 5 years, however, the Authority may at its sole discretion extend the contract by a maximum of 2 years (taken in single or multiple year intervals).

The Parachute Equipment that will be supported includes, but is not limited to, various types of precision, low level, mass insertion, cargo parachutes and reserves along with associated ancillary equipment such as parachute release assemblies, carrying straps and life preservers (‘Parachute Equipment’).

New parachute systems may be brought into UK MOD service and into the scope of the requirement during the life of the contract.

The required service will include:

• packing and re-packing of UK military personnel and cargo Parachute Equipment with a quick turnaround to meet the Authority’s operational and exercise plans. This will include the washing and drying of Parachute Equipment when necessary, in accordance with procedures dictated by the Authority;
• maintenance of Parachute Equipment which will include, but is not limited to, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, modifications, Special Instructions (Technical) updates and inspections in accordance with the Authority’s procedures and timescales. These maintenance activities are to be undertaken at a UK facility provided by the successful tenderer, however, there may be a requirement by exception to provide this service from other UK locations when directed by the Authority;
• an out of hours Point of Contact for urgent enquiries;
• transportation of Parachute Equipment to and from RAF Brize Norton and other locations across the UK as required;
• providing a dedicated storage facility of approximately 80,000 square feet which is climate controlled and fully equipped for storage of up to 20,000 items of Parachute Equipment;
• managing data capture on equipment conditions, providing the Authority with updates on the status of parachute inventory and managing replenishment activities to maintain a consistent availability of equipment;
• safe disposal of Parachute Equipment as and when required;
• training of MOD personnel in Personnel and Cargo Parachute Equipment packing and maintenance

All work is to be conducted in accordance with the latest Civil and Military airworthiness regulations.

There may also be a requirement to perform further ad-hoc tasks upon formal request by the Authority.

The Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) will be used to manage the DPQQ and Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, including evaluation. Access to the DSP is required to complete the DPQQ and it is recommended that access is requested via Supplier Registration Page.

The DPQQ can be accessed here - https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=56423

The deadline for receipt of clarification questions relating to the DPQQ is 16:00 GMT on Friday 10th November 2023.

The closing date for DPQQ submissions is 16:00 GMT on Monday 20th November 2023.

Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time when responding to this opportunity prior to the closing date and time, especially if you have been asked to upload documents.

If you experience any difficulties, please contact the DSP Supplier Helpdesk by emailing [email protected].