--- title: "Explosive Material Identification Procurement Project" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT" published: "2025-08-01" --- # Explosive Material Identification Procurement Project Buyer: DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050fb0.json) ## Summary The "Explosive Material Identification Procurement Project" is an active procurement process led by Defence Equipment and Support, a division of the UK Ministry of Defence located in Bristol. The project aims to acquire and support 126 Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) handheld explosive material identification equipment divided into two lots. These include the procurement of 63 FTIR spectrum analysers and 63 RAMAN spectrum analysers, each with in-service support extending to eight years post-acceptance of the full operating capability. The procurement process, categorised under the defence and security industry, uses a competitive flexible procedure approach in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023. Key dates include an expression of interest deadline on 12th September 2025, with the procurement stage currently in tender. This tender represents an excellent opportunity for businesses specialising in spectrum analysis and detection equipment, particularly within the defence sector. SMEs are encouraged to participate and can compete for either or both lots, expanding their footprint in the government defence space. Companies with expertise in manufacturing robust, deployable equipment that can withstand diverse environmental conditions and include the features outlined in the tender will find significant potential for growth. Furthermore, the opportunity to extend the contract by an additional two years presents a lucrative chance for long-term engagement and revenue generation. Robust supply chain management and technical support capabilities will be crucial for success in securing this contract. ## Notice The Explosive Material Identification Procurement Project is the requirement is for the procurement and in service support of 126 Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Handheld explosive material identification equipment. This Project is being split into two Lots as detailed below: a. Lot 1: The procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-Held FTIR Spectrum analysers This requirement is for the Procurement and In-Service Support of x63 Hand-Held FTIR Spectrum Analysers, with the option to purchase additional analysers if required. The requirement is for the delivery of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of x20 FTIR units within 4 months of Contract Award. In-Service Support shall commence from IOC and continue for a period of 8 years from acceptance of Full Operating Capability (FOC). FOC shall be delivered within 1 year and 4 months of Contract Award. Options to extend Contract duration are detailed in Paragraph 4. The in-service support shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of spares, repairs, servicing and maintenance, training, and obsolescence management. The Hand-held FTIR analysers capability shall be a single Hand-held unit able to identify Substances of Interest (SOI's) such as explosive material, narcotics and other threat chemicals, providing indication and identification of SOI's by direct Sample. The capability is expected to be Hand-held, deployable and robust for deployment in all environmental climates and able to identify SOI present in a material, mixture, and provide Identification of DARK and highly fluorescent SOI's. The capability is expected to be updated with supplier-based threat data and spectrum libraries, with the opportunity to utilise third-party libraries as and when required. b. Lot 2: The procurement and in-service support of 63 x Hand-Held RAMAN spectrum analysers. The requirement is for the procurement and in service support of x63 Hand-held RAMAN spectrum analysers, with the option to purchase additional analysers if required. The requirement is for the delivery of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of x20 units within 4 months of contract award. In-Service support shall commence from IOC and continue for a period of 8 years from acceptance of Full Operating Capability (FOC). FOC shall be delivered within 1 year 4 months of contract award. Options to extend Contract duration are detailed in Paragraph 4. The in-service support shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of spares, repairs, servicing and maintenance, training, and obsolescence management. The Hand-held RAMAN analysers capability shall be a single Hand-held unit able to identify Substances of Interest (SOI's) such as explosive material, narcotics and other threat chemicals, providing indication and identification of SOI's by through barrier and standoff methods. The capability is expected to be Hand-held, deployable and robust for deployment in all environmental climates and able to identify SOI present in a material, mixture and through barrier. The capability is expected to be updated with supplier-based threat data and spectrum libraries. With the opportunity to utilise third party libraries as and when required. The highest classification of the requirements and data managed through any resulting Contracts for Lot 1 or Lot 2 is OFFICIAL SENSITIVE. The Cyber Risk level for this procurement is MODERATE for both LOTs. The Risk Assessment Reference (RAR) are as follows: a. Project 1: RAR-250404A03 b. Project 2: RAR-250404A06 A full description of the Cyber Risk levels is available at DEFSTAN 05-138. Potential Providers should make themselves familiar with the requirements against the profile assessment for this risk level. ### Lot Information Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-Held FTIR Spectrum Analysers a. Lot 1: The procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-Held FTIR Spectrum analysers This requirement is for the Procurement and In-Service Support of x63 Hand-Held FTIR Spectrum Analysers, with the option to purchase additional analysers if required. The requirement is for the delivery of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of x20 FTIR units within 4 months of Contract Award. In-Service Support shall commence from IOC and continue for a period of 8 years from acceptance of Full Operating Capability (FOC). FOC shall be delivered within 1 year and 4 months of Contract Award. Options to extend Contract duration are included. The in-service support shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of spares, repairs, servicing and maintenance, training, and obsolescence management. The Hand-held FTIR analysers capability shall be a single Hand-held unit able to identify Substances of Interest (SOI's) such as explosive material, narcotics and other threat chemicals, providing indication and identification of SOI's by direct Sample. The capability is expected to be Hand-held, deployable and robust for deployment in all environmental climates and able to identify SOI present in a material, mixture, and provide Identification of DARK and highly fluorescent SOI's. The capability is expected to be updated with supplier-based threat data and spectrum libraries, with the opportunity to utilise third-party libraries as and when required. Options: Any resulting Contract of Lot 1 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held FTIR Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. Any resulting Contract of Lot 2 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held RAMAN Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option(s) listed above. Further information on the option(s) will be provided in the Invitation to Tender. Renewal: Any resulting Contract of Lot 1 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held FTIR Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. Any resulting Contract of Lot 2 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held RAMAN Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option(s) listed above. Further information on the option(s) will be provided in the Invitation to Tender. Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-Held RAMAN Spectrum Analysers Lot 2: The procurement and in-service support of 63 x Hand-Held RAMAN spectrum analysers. The requirement is for the procurement and in service support of x63 Hand-held RAMAN spectrum analysers, with the option to purchase additional analysers if required. The requirement is for the delivery of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of x20 units within 4 months of contract award. In-Service support shall commence from IOC and continue for a period of 8 years from acceptance of Full Operating Capability (FOC). FOC shall be delivered within 1 year 4 months of contract award. Options to extend Contract duration are included. The in-service support shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of spares, repairs, servicing and maintenance, training, and obsolescence management. The Hand-held RAMAN analysers capability shall be a single Hand-held unit able to identify Substances of Interest (SOI's) such as explosive material, narcotics and other threat chemicals, providing indication and identification of SOI's by through barrier and standoff methods. The capability is expected to be Hand-held, deployable and robust for deployment in all environmental climates and able to identify SOI present in a material, mixture and through barrier. The capability is expected to be updated with supplier-based threat data and spectrum libraries. With the opportunity to utilise third party libraries as and when required. Options: Any resulting Contract of Lot 1 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held FTIR Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. Any resulting Contract of Lot 2 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held RAMAN Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option(s) listed above. Further information on the option(s) will be provided in the Invitation to Tender. Renewal: Any resulting Contract of Lot 1 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held FTIR Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. Any resulting Contract of Lot 2 (Procurement and In-Service Support of Hand-held RAMAN Spectrum Analysers) will include the following Contract Options to extend the in-service support duration for a further 2 years: - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. - Extension of In-Service Support for an additional one-year period. The Authority reserve the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all the option(s) listed above. Further information on the option(s) will be provided in the Invitation to Tender. ### Planning Information The Authority intends to undertake further market engagement with interested suppliers until 24th July to understand the market for each Lot and potential solutions. The Authority will be contacting Suppliers identified in market research to understand the competitive market for each lot as well as providing suppliers with the opportunity for engagement sessions. The proposed engagement sessions will provide suppliers with the opportunity to present their capabilities to the Authority through face-to-face (F2F) meetings or, where F2F meetings are not feasible, virtual alternatives. Each meeting will be limited to 60 minutes in duration and will not delve into specific project details or information about the requirements. Please note all questions raised by interested suppliers will be collated by the Authority and subsequently shared to ensure transparency and uphold the principles of fair and open competition. Please contact deslestsp-seec-commercial@mod.gov.uk quoting reference ‘714783450’ by 04th July 2025 if you would like to arrange an engagement session. Please note if you do not quote reference '714783450' your email may not be seen. All information provided at each Market Engagement Stage shall not be used by the Authority to down select or evaluate suppliers but shall help inform the development of the requirement and contracting strategy only. In issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice, The Authority is not committing to commence with any procurement in relation to the requirements stated in this Notice. Accordingly, any expenditure, work or effort undertaken before contract award is a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045386-2025 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Goods | | Procurement method | Selective | | Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning, Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 1 Aug 2025 | | Submission deadline | 26 Aug 2025 | | Future notice date | 1 Aug 2025 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 29 Apr 2026 - 31 Aug 2035 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £8,000,000 | | Lots value | £8,000,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT | | Locality | BRISTOL | | Post town | Bristol | | Postcode | BS34 8JH | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLK5 West of England | | ITL 3 | TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire | | Local authority | South Gloucestershire | | Electoral ward | Stoke Park & Cheswick | | Westminster constituency | Filton and Bradley Stoke | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) ### Codes - 38433300 - Spectrum analyser - 38434500 - Biochemical analysers - 38546100 - Bomb detectors ## Release History - 1 Aug 2025 at 16:00 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045386-2025 - 18 Jun 2025 at 11:57 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033261-2025 - 9 May 2025 at 12:04 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020054-2025 - 9 May 2025 at 12:01 - Planning - UK1 - Pipeline Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020053-2025 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045386-2025 1st August 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033261-2025 18th June 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020054-2025 9th May 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020053-2025 9th May 2025 - Pipeline notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://contracts.mod.uk - https://contracts.mod.uk/go/628679800198664B198E - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. 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