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Project VIRTUS

Ministry of Defence

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

14 Jun 2021 at 22:45

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is currently conducting a tender process titled "Project VIRTUS", aimed at the procurement of garments for anti-ballistic protection, primarily focused on supplying the UK Armed Forces' integrated body armour, helmet, and load carriage system. This procurement is classified under the suppliers of goods, with an estimated value of £350 million. The procurement is at the active tender stage, and the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) is expected to be issued in September 2021, with the deadline for submissions being 16th July 2021. Suppliers can apply for one or both lots, which include the Torso Sub-System and Head Sub-System, each catering to specific requirements within the VIRTUS system.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in protective gear, military uniforms, and associated services, as it caters to ongoing military needs across the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. Businesses with capabilities in the manufacturing of ballistic protection equipment, as well as those offering post-design services and training, would be particularly well-suited to compete. The potential total duration of the contracts is ten years, with opportunities for additional contracts as requirements evolve, making this a lucrative bidding opportunity for suppliers in the defence sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Project VIRTUS

Notice Description

The Authority has a requirement for the ongoing supply, support and development of the VIRTUS integrated body armour, helmet and load carriage system. VIRTUS is the UK Armed Forces integrated Body Armour, Helmet and Load Carriage system based on the soldier. The Authority successfully introduced the original VIRTUS system into service in 2015 and it has been gradually rolled out to the Infantry and Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) users. The success of the VIRTUS system informed the decision taken in 2019 by all Front-Line Commands that VIRTUS would become the primary body armour, helmet and load carriage system for all personnel (both Regular and Reserve). The VIRTUS system focuses on 3 of the NATO soldier domains: survivability, mobility and sustainability. VIRTUS comprises of a head and torso sub-system with integrated load carriage and a Quick Release (QR) mechanism, to allow escape from water, confined space or to allow rapid access to the body in an emergency. The Single Statement of Need (SSN) for the VIRTUS system states: "The User shall be provided with a Torso and Head Sub-system that will provide personal protection, load carriage and will be the platform on which all other NATO capability domains for the Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) arena can be designed on, around or supported by, allowing the user to survive and operate effectively across the full spectrum of operating environments in order to achieve the mission." Further detail on the VIRTUS system can be found, with instructional videos, at the following url: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLApZclWKcKb7pGgNy1aLHvqvO0y05Ecj8 The Contract/s being tendered shall be for the ongoing supply of the VIRTUS system to all tri-service users including Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Additionally, some elements of the PLCE (Personal Load Carriage and Equipment) contract shall be incorporated into this tender. These shall be defined in the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). The Contract/s shall also include the ability for the Authority to utilise Post Design Services (PDS) for the ongoing development of the system to ensure that it continues to provide optimal performance as technology develops and matures. There may also be a requirement within the Contract/s for the provision of training in the use of the VIRTUS system and for the refurbishment and disposal of VIRTUS items. It is anticipated that throughout the initial 5 year contract/s duration the Authority shall commit to purchase a minimum number of VIRTUS items, to be defined within the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). The Authority shall also have the ability to purchase additional VIRTUS items, as and when required throughout the duration on the Contract/s for a range of tri-service users. The requirement has been split into two Lots (Torso Sub-System and Head Sub-System), economic operators may apply for one or both Lots. A Contract shall be awarded for each Lot, however the Authority reserves the right to award one Contract covering both Lots if one economic operator is the successful bidder for both Lots. Lot 1 - Torso Sub System (TSS) - the requirement for all body armour and load carriage equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to scalable tactical vests, soft armour filler, extremity protection, bergens and pouches. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items. Lot 2 - Head Sub System (HSS) - the requirement for all protective head equipment within the current VIRTUS system including but not limited to helmets, mandibles, visors, eye protection and ancillaries. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items. The Authority reserves the right to award contracts for the two lots detailed under this Contract Notice on different dates, dependent upon the progress of evaluation and negotiations for each Lot. The Cyber Risk Profile for the Contract/s is Very Low. Operators which are invited to tender shall be required to complete a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ), as part of their tender submission, to demonstrate their compliance with the required cyber risk level. An indicative schedule for this project is detailed below, please note that this is subject to change at the Authority's discretion and reflects no commitment on the Authority's behalf: Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) Issued: September 2021 ITN Return: February 2022 Negotiations Phase (If Required): May 2022 Trials Phase: June 2022 Contract Award: Q1 2023

Lot Information

Torso Sub-System (TSS)

Torso Sub-System (TSS) - the requirement for all body armour and load carriage equipment within the current Virtus system including but not limited to scalable tactical vests, soft armour filler, extremity protection, bergens and pouches. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items. It is anticipated that throughout the initial 5 year contract/s duration the Authority shall commit to purchase a minimum number of TSS items, to be defined within the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). The Authority will have the ability to purchase additional TSS items as required through the duration on the Contract for a range of tri-service users. Additional information: The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.

Head Sub-System (HSS)

Head Sub System - the requirement for all protective head equipment within the current Virtus system including but not limited to helmets, mandibles, visors, eye protection and ancillaries. Also for Post Design Services (PDS) relating to these items. It is anticipated that throughout the initial 5 year contract/s duration the Authority shall commit to purchase a minimum number number of HSS items, to be defined within the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). The Authority will have the ability to purchase additional HSS items as required through the duration on the Contract for a range of tri-service users. Additional information: The Contracting Authority intends to use an e-Tendering system in this procurement exercise, please visit www.contracts.mod.uk for full details and to register your interest in this procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-02bbf2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013439-2021
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Negotiated
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

18 - Clothing, footwear, luggage articles and accessories

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

CPV Codes

18143000 - Protective gear

18444110 - Helmets

18931100 - Rucksacks

18934000 - Kitbags

18936000 - Textile bags

33735100 - Protective goggles

35113400 - Protective and safety clothing

35811300 - Military uniforms

35812200 - Combat suits

35812300 - Combat gear

35813000 - Military helmets

35813100 - Helmet covers

35815000 - Garments for anti-ballistic protection

35815100 - Bullet-proof vests

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£350,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jun 20215 years ago
Submission Deadline
16 Jul 2021Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Ministry of Defence
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JT
Postcode Area
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLK11 Bristol, City of
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Filton
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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