Award

Royal Navy Diving Threat Exploitation Group - Integration & Support of Neptune Autonomy Software

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

06 Dec 2022 at 15:20

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, represented by the Mine Hunting Capability Team, based in Bristol, United Kingdom, has recently awarded a contract for the integration and support of Neptune Autonomy Software into the Royal Navy Diving Threat Exploitation Group equipment. The procurement process was conducted using a limited procurement method, without publication of a contract notice, to meet specific technical requirements. The contract, with SeeByte Ltd as the supplier, is valued at £2 million and has a duration of 15 months. The procurement aims to enhance the autonomy and effectiveness of maritime mine countermeasures and underwater surveillance through the Neptune software solution.

This tender presents an opportunity for businesses specializing in IT services, consulting, software development, and support to engage in the provision of Neptune software and its integration into defence equipment. Companies with expertise in collaborative unmanned vehicle technologies and maritime security solutions would be well-suited to compete for this contract. The required software capabilities include low-level mission planning, autonomous missions, and mine threat identification, making it particularly attractive for businesses focusing on innovative solutions for maritime defense and intelligent surveillance.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Royal Navy Diving Threat Exploitation Group - Integration & Support of Neptune Autonomy Software

Notice Description

Provision of Neptune software and subsequent integration into RN Diving Threat Exploitation Group equipment, including associated software support

Lot Information

Lot 1

Provision of Neptune software and subsequent integration into RN Diving Threat Exploitation Group equipment, including associated software support

Procurement Information

The Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to place an amendment to the current Autonomy Software Integration and Support Contract (Contract Reference: 701558388) with SeeByte Limited (SeeByte) for the integration of a common autonomy software solution into the equipment of the Royal Navy (RN) Diving Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG). The integration of this common autonomy software solution will involve the provision of software, its installation into the DTXG equipment and any low-level software development required over the contract term. The term of the proposed contract amendment will be for 15 months but this period will fall within the original term of the MHC Autonomy Software Integration and Support Contract. The maximum total value of the proposed amendment will not exceed PS2m for the entire 15-month period. This will increase the total value of the MHC Autonomy Software Integration and Support contract to PS4m. Currently, this DTXG equipment does not utilise a common protocol of technology and software, and subsequently cannot be integrated into the system architecture that is being developed as part of the wider MHC programme. This software solution is namely Neptune, which has been solely developed by and is only available via SeeByte. Neptune enables autonomy behaviours for Unmanned Vehicles and equipment to work collaboratively and effectively for the purpose of Maritime Mine Countermeasures and underwater intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance. The software also enables features such as: Low-Level mission planning, Autonomous missions and Mine Threat Identification and classification. In accordance with regulation 4 of The Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 as amended (in particular by SI 2019/697 and SI 2020/1450). Prior publication of a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate. It is considered that the award of the contract amendment without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (in accordance with the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 (as amended) for Technical Reasons. This is because only SeeByte's Neptune software can meet the MoD's requirements and only SeeByte, as the original software developer, can install it into the DTXG equipment and carry out any necessary low level software development activities. To ensure the appropriate level of commonality, compatibility and supportability, it is deemed that the DTXG requirement for integration of a common autonomy software solution must be delivered via the Neptune suite of software available from SeeByte. The Neptune software is the current solution already being integrated into existing MHC platforms, and is also in use by a number of UK Allies. The requirement for inter-operability with these other platforms is a critical factor in the successful integration into, and future functionality of, the DTXG equipment. As the developer of the Neptune suite of software, only SeeByte Ltd possess the requisite access to the applicable software source code to be integrated into the DTXG equipment, and the requisite tools and technical ability to modify the software as may become necessary during the course of that integration.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-038b1f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034522-2022
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Negotiated without publication of a contract notice
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Dec 20223 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Dec 20223 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Mr Garry Ogborne
Contact Email
garry.ogborne100@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
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
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SEEBYTE

Further Information

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-038b1f-2022-12-06T15:20:18Z",
    "date": "2022-12-06T15:20:18Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-038b1f",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "701558388-1",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32009L0081",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Royal Navy Diving Threat Exploitation Group - Integration & Support of Neptune Autonomy Software",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "72000000",
            "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "Provision of Neptune software and subsequent integration into RN Diving Threat Exploitation Group equipment, including associated software support",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "Provision of Neptune software and subsequent integration into RN Diving Threat Exploitation Group equipment, including associated software support",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Lowest price"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "SeeByte Ltd Orchard Brae House 30 Queensferry Road Edinburgh EH4 2HS"
                },
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "limited",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Negotiated without publication of a contract notice",
        "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
            {
                "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
                "id": "D_MANUF_FOR_RESEARCH",
                "description": "The products involved are manufactured purely for the purpose of research, experiment, study or development under the conditions stated in the directive"
            },
            {
                "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
                "id": "D_TECHNICAL",
                "description": "The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator due to absence of competition for technical reasons"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethodRationale": "The Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to place an amendment to the current Autonomy Software Integration and Support Contract (Contract Reference: 701558388) with SeeByte Limited (SeeByte) for the integration of a common autonomy software solution into the equipment of the Royal Navy (RN) Diving Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG). The integration of this common autonomy software solution will involve the provision of software, its installation into the DTXG equipment and any low-level software development required over the contract term. The term of the proposed contract amendment will be for 15 months but this period will fall within the original term of the MHC Autonomy Software Integration and Support Contract. The maximum total value of the proposed amendment will not exceed PS2m for the entire 15-month period. This will increase the total value of the MHC Autonomy Software Integration and Support contract to PS4m. Currently, this DTXG equipment does not utilise a common protocol of technology and software, and subsequently cannot be integrated into the system architecture that is being developed as part of the wider MHC programme. This software solution is namely Neptune, which has been solely developed by and is only available via SeeByte. Neptune enables autonomy behaviours for Unmanned Vehicles and equipment to work collaboratively and effectively for the purpose of Maritime Mine Countermeasures and underwater intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance. The software also enables features such as: Low-Level mission planning, Autonomous missions and Mine Threat Identification and classification. In accordance with regulation 4 of The Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 as amended (in particular by SI 2019/697 and SI 2020/1450). Prior publication of a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate. It is considered that the award of the contract amendment without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (in accordance with the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 (as amended) for Technical Reasons. This is because only SeeByte's Neptune software can meet the MoD's requirements and only SeeByte, as the original software developer, can install it into the DTXG equipment and carry out any necessary low level software development activities. To ensure the appropriate level of commonality, compatibility and supportability, it is deemed that the DTXG requirement for integration of a common autonomy software solution must be delivered via the Neptune suite of software available from SeeByte. The Neptune software is the current solution already being integrated into existing MHC platforms, and is also in use by a number of UK Allies. The requirement for inter-operability with these other platforms is a critical factor in the successful integration into, and future functionality of, the DTXG equipment. As the developer of the Neptune suite of software, only SeeByte Ltd possess the requisite access to the applicable software source code to be integrated into the DTXG equipment, and the requisite tools and technical ability to modify the software as may become necessary during the course of that integration."
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "034522-2022-701558388-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "title": "MHC Autonomy Software Integration & Support (To be amended to include Royal Navy DTXG requirement)",
            "status": "active",
            "hasSubcontracting": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-48905",
                    "name": "SeeByte Ltd"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-48904",
            "name": "Ministry of Defence",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Ministry of Defence"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Abbey Wood, Filton",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "region": "UKK12",
                "postalCode": "BS34 8JH",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Mr Garry Ogborne",
                "email": "garry.ogborne100@mod.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://des.mod.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "MINISTRY",
                        "description": "Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "id": "02",
                        "description": "Defence"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-48905",
            "name": "SeeByte Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "SeeByte Ltd"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Orchard Brae House, 30 Queensferry Road",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UKM75",
                "postalCode": "EH4 2HS",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "large"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-69455",
            "name": "Ministry of Defence, DE&S, Mine Hunting Capability Team",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Ministry of Defence, DE&S, Mine Hunting Capability Team"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "MHC Project Team, Ash 0B, NH3, MoD Abbey Wood, Filton",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "postalCode": "BS34 8JH",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "garry.ogborne100@mod.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-48904",
        "name": "Ministry of Defence"
    },
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "034522-2022-701558388-1",
            "awardID": "034522-2022-701558388-1",
            "title": "MHC Autonomy Software Integration & Support (To be amended to include Royal Navy DTXG requirement)",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 2000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2022-12-06T00:00:00Z"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}