BEROE Mission Control System (MCS)

Background: DE&S (the Authority), under the Rapid Agile Prototyping, Scaled for Operations (RAPSO) Framework, intends to issue an Invitation To Tender “Lite” (ITT Lite) on behalf of Air Command (the Customer) to support the task objectives described in the Aim (below) and award zero (0), one (1) or more (with the intent being to take through two (2)) suppliers through to initial framework tasking under Lot 1). The intent for future BEROE work is to be placed under Lot 1 and/or the Operational Lot 2 subject to Authority approvals. Aim: The UK MoD requires a secure Ground Segment software solution for tasking, monitoring and controlling a space-based ISR constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites(s), which will form an integral component of the UK MoD ground segment architecture, acting as the primary mission control system for the Customer Satellite Operations Centre. The UK MoD is therefore seeking a provider to develop a technology roadmap, secure software development plan and assist (through demonstration & prototype development) with the maturation of system requirements and the development of a software architecture that will deliver an assured Mission Control System for space-based ISR command & control (C2) which is scalable to meet future operational needs, and enable interoperability with UK MoD owned space assets. The project, named BEROE, during the competition and development phases (refer to tender process stage 1-4), will focus on maturing, deriving and identifying UK MoD requirements, testing hypotheses, addressing key challenges and stimulating industry to develop product roadmaps to support future operational systems targeted for non-civilian use. Bidders will be requested to describe their ground segment software solution in terms of overall design, architecture and interfaces that enable the integration of protocols, operating procedures, development of user interfaces and compatibility with open standards. To establish a Bidders list for ITT, it is the Authority’s intention, through this DPQQ and Contract Notice, to source interest from and screen the capability of the industrial supply base. Participation at Invitation to Tender (ITT) will be subject to successfully passing a Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (DPQQ). The procurement process will be split across 4 stages. The Procurement will follow a 4 stage Competitive Procedure, defined below:

Stage 1: The first stage will be the DPQQ stage, which is designed to evaluate Commercial, Technical and Financial Capacity/Capability. Bidders who are successfully down selected at the DPQQ stage will proceed to the second stage.

Stage 2: The second stage will comprise of an Invitation to Tender Lite (ITT-Lite), whereby a request for proposal will be made by the Authority, which shall be scored and evaluated after submission. Participation at ITT-Lite will be subject to successfully passing the DPQQ. Bidders will be given a weighted score and will be required to pass both commercial and technical mandatory criteria at this stage. It is anticipated that up to 6 Bidders will proceed to Stage 3. All other suppliers will remain active and be eligible to bid for future tasks should the Authority re-open the lot. Stage 3: The third stage will involve the Authority inviting Bidders to demonstrate and present their solution. Bidders will be evaluated on both the demonstration, and the presentation, with a minimum entry criterion defined for proceeding to Stage 4. It should be noted that scores from Stage 2 will be included in the overall assessment for down-selection to Stage 4. All other suppliers will remain active and be eligible to bid for future tasks should the Authority re-open the lot. Stage 4: Will consist of Framework Contract Award to zero, one or more suppliers (subject to the minimum requirements) at ITT (ITT-lite & Demonstration) and satisfying the Minimum Entry Criteria (MEC) The intent is to take through 2 suppliers.