UAS Heavy Lift Capability (UASHLC) reopening
This Opportunity Listing is a chance to join the extant UASHLC Framework:
The Uncrewed Air Systems Heavy Lift Capability (UASHLC) Framework (the Framework) has been created by the Authority to accelerate the development of a range of autonomous Heavy Lift UAS for use predominantly, but not exclusively, in the maritime domain.
The intention is to address the lack of current options in the market by increasing the number of delivery-ready platforms in order to help support and develop the Authority’s understanding of the potential capabilities and operational uses for such Uncrewed systems.
The Authority will facilitate accelerated development of one or more Supplier UAS to meet or exceed the requirements of Authority-defined Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), along with complementary and underpinning technologies that will enhance UAS operational capabilities.
Our intent is to ensure that Defence will have access at the speed of relevance, to current and future emerging cutting-edge capabilities for use within the Royal Navy and other domains.
The Authority will facilitate, via the use of this competitive framework, an environment whereby suppliers are able to demonstrate current capabilities, set out product development and commercial exploitation roadmaps and work with both the Authority and potentially with other suppliers to accelerate pace of development and reduce time to market.
The purpose of the UASHLC Framework is therefore to support and inform the development of Maritime operating concepts and enable assessment, analysis, exploration and evaluation of the use of UAS for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) payload delivery and broader UAS capabilities.
The Framework is designed specifically to:
i) provide Sponsor / User confidence in the potential for UAS systems to provide recoverable, adaptable, Autonomous/remotely piloted air systems, capable of accurately delivering heavy payloads at range;
ii) enable the Authority to identify and as appropriate fund the most viable solutions in the market for accelerated further development in order to meet the Authority’s minimum requirements (the MVPs) within the timescales stated,
iii) provide the Authority with a mechanism for end users to potentially acquire systems for further evaluation or other use.
The framework is open to all Industry Partners who can articulate how their technology/capability can enhance the Heavy Lift UAS market, thereby not constraining the framework to only Platform providers, as underpinning and novel UAS-related technologies and capabilities are also in scope. These underpinning and novel technologies and capabilities can encompass (but aren’t restricted to) payloads, fuels, software, and Counter UAS technologies (ground or platform based). The first tasking within the framework will be based on two confirmed sprints as articulated below, with scope for an additional three sprints as the programme develops (Authority requirement and funding dependent).
Contract summary
Industry
- Unmanned combat aerial vehicles – 35613100
- Military research and technology – 73410000
Location of contract
BS34 8JH
Value of contract
£1,225,000 to £95,000,000
Procurement reference
tender_368624/1212719
Published date
12 May 2023
Closing date
23 June 2023
Closing time
5pm
Contract start date
1 July 2023
Contract end date
31 August 2026
Contract type
Not specified
Procedure type
Restricted procedure (above threshold)What is a restricted procedure (above threshold)?
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
No
More information
Links
- https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=56258
- Link to Defence Sourcing Portal Opportunity Listing
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
About the buyer
Contact name
Toby Love
Address
#1261 Spruce 2B, DE&S Abbey Wood, Filton
Bristol
BS34 8JH
England
