702689450-Project SAHARA-Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Training and Assurance System

Description

Summary of the work MOD require an app developer to create an app to support the training and assurance of service persons using ground search detectors in a counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) role. Expected Contract Length Minimum 1 year contract with an option to extend by 25% of the contract duration (3 months) Latest start date Friday 1 April 2022 Budget Range £708,333.33 ex VAT (£850,000 Inc VAT) Why the Work is Being Done Defence is seeking to achieve information advantage in the training sphere by moving to a data driven approach to training. This work seeks to change the current model of qualitative and instructor-heavy training for our end users, to a quantitative and digital training solution that requires minimal instructor input. Problem to Be Solved The current process for counter improvised explosive device (CIED) training is instructor led and qualitative by design. The Authority is seeking to move to a data driven approach to CIED training, developing a quantitative approach to training and assurance to provide continuous currency and digital teaching solutions. SAHARA seeks to create a training system that has a database component for storing data that enables evaluation of performance data over a long period of time. The system also includes a device and application that functions both as the data collection device and sensor head, as well as a digital training tool that can analyse a user’s performance and provide corrective instruction and performance metrics to make our users better at CIED search. Who Are the Users Users are members all across the close combat spectrum. They have primary roles such as being a rifleman or junior commander, but in certain situations will require training on how to successfully search for IEDs. These members do not get regular training in search, and can be new to defence. These users must be trained in the use of in-service detectors such that they can protect themselves from the explosive ordinance threat. Early Market Engagement Pre-tender market engagement was completed, with 10 suppliers engaged across the DOS5 framework. Only 1 reply was received. Work Already Done A previous contract was signed through DOS5 for delivery of a trial system through Modux Ltd, Call-Off Reference: 14469. Existing Team The main contact will be the commander of a specialist unit within the MOD. Current Phase Beta Skills & Experience • Demonstrate experience of developing high quality applications for mobile and tablet. • Demonstrate experience in building SQL databases. • Demonstrate experience of integrating multiple application programming interfaces (APIs). • Demonstrate experience of development and maintenance of secure mobile application. • Demonstrate experience of working with large public sector organisations and knowledge of the Defence environment. • Demonstrate evidence of providing responsive customer support services, relationship with satisfied clients. • Demonstrate experience of rapid turnaround delivery. • Demonstrate ability to deliver high quality but low technical maintenance digital solutions. • Demonstrate evidence of delivering effective training on utilising solutions - training for different levels of staff/users. • Demonstrate evidence of prototyping and user testing throughout development. • Demonstrate expertise of industry regulations including DPA, GDPR. Nice to Haves Demonstrate previous CIED experience Work Location Mainly off site with visits to the office (Bromley Rd, London, SE6 2RH) and training locations (Camberley GU17 9LP and Bicester OX25 1PP) when required. Working Arrangments Mainly off site with visits to the office and training areas when requried by the project. Security Clearance Minimum Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. Additional T&Cs DEFCON 76 (12/06) - Contractor's Personnel At Government Establishments DEFCON 658 (09/21) - Cyber No pre-existing IPR is to be used during project SAHARA. Travel and Subsistence policy can be provided upon request No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria • Technical solution • Approach and methodology • How the solution meets user needs • How the solution will continue after development • Estimated time-frames for the work • Value for Money • Risks and Dependencies Cultural Fit Criteria • Demonstrate CSR credentials, both domestically and globally, specifically adhering to UK international legislation and conforming to the principles and subjects addressed in ISO 26000. • Demonstrate how you will adhere to the duties imposed by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and all Government procurement policy notes in relation to transparency in the supply chain. • Provide evidence on how your company identifies and tackles inequality in employment. • Demonstrate how the Supplier shall comply with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) • Demonstrate how the Supplier with comply with Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Scoring Summary Interested suppliers skills and experience will be assessed using the following scoring:0 - Not met or no evidence1 - Major Concerns2 - Minor Concerns3 - Satisfactory 4 - Good ConfidenceThe scores for each section shall be a value of 0 to 4, where the highest score available is 4. If the supplier scores 1 or below on any of the essential skills and experience, they will be excluded from the competition. 2. Is there a full technical Statement of Requirement (SOR) in place for this requirement? You state that “the system includes a device and application that functions as both the data collection device and sensor head as well as digital training tool that can analyse a user’s performance and provide corrective instruction and performance metrics to make our users better at CIED search”. Are you able to provide any details of that system at this stage? A full Statement of Requirement shall be issued to all shortlisted suppliers as part of the Invitation to Tender. Please note that at this stage, suppliers responses are scored against the skills and experience section detailed in the advert. 3. Will it be okay with the Authority if the development of the app is done at an offshore location with team members present in the UK as well for training and on-site connect? If there is an offshore part of the suppliers organisation, they must ensure that ALL individual members have BPSS security clearance and are Cyber Essentials assured (iaw with the applicable Cyber Risk Level). Any offshore work will be assessed on a case by case basis against the required security limitations. 4. Are you specifically looking for native mobile applications, or would a Responsive Web application be considered? We cannot guarantee internet connectivity at any point whilst utilising project SAHARA. 5. We assume DLP will deliver associated digital learning and virtual scenario based learning Before the Authority can formally respond to this question, please can the supplier define DLP? 6. We assume DLP will deliver associated digital learning and virtual scenario based learning The Authority assumes the definition of DLP here as "Digital Learning Platform". The ability to practice solo and virtual scenarios are goals of the system, digital theoretical self-learning is not an essential requirement. 7. It is assumed that specific mobile hardware i.e. ruggedized iPad will be provided by MOD is that correct? Specific hardware will not be provided by the Authority. 8. Are we to assume that the learner will have to demonstrate competence across multiple detector types This assumption is correct. 9. We assume that ‘pre-existing IPR’ does not include current training material, TNA and MMA Correct. MOD-owned IPR will be provided as required; the intent is for suppliers to not re-purpose existing solutions. 10. Was the previous MODUX trial considered a success. If so what were the key success indicators? The trial was successful. It was evaluated against the Concept demonstrators ability to improve the performance of primarily novice detector users. 11. We assume that data gained from scenario training with the mobile app will be correlated with digital learning and associated competence framework This assumption is correct. 12. Has a competence framework been established as a benchmark for evaluation of skills and knowledge? The competence framework has been established based on current training techniques. 13. Is it envisaged that training can be conducted and assessed remotely using the app? Training with instructor and trainee is intended to be in the same location. Later assessment may be at a remote location. 14. We assume that learner performance is to be written back to the individual learner record in the DLP This assumption is correct. 15. Is it expected to provide real-time performance feedback to the learner This assumption is correct. 16. How was the budget range established? The budget range has been established based on estimated software development, hardware procurement, and database development and management costs. 17. Is the assessment of competence limited [to] use of the detector or associated behaviours and skills? Current intent is limited to use of the detector, though associated behaviours would be interesting to explore for suitability. 18. Will the outputs from the trial (Call-Off Reference: 14469) be made available to all tenderers in order to ensure a fair competition? The Authority values the breadth of approach that companies may bring to the initial written proposals. Therefore, the information from the trials report will be made available to those who are successful in proceeding to ITT stage. Access will require MODBOX access due to the classification of the document.