UK MoD Defence Contracts Bulletin magazine reports: “In light of strategic reassessment of in-service capabilities and the continuing DLO efficiency drive, GWSS IPT has established the ADAPT project to develop and assess options for the future support of the in-service Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD). SHORAD currently consists of Rapier Field Standard C, with MBDA as the system prime contractor and High Velocity Missile (HVM), with Thales Air Defence Ltd (TADL) as the system prime contractor. The requirement for ADAPT is:
* To support the current capability of both systems, delivering the system availability required to meet the customer’s operational and training requirements, until 2020, whilst delivering greater value for money.
* Achieve a sound understanding of the overall risk and affordability of supporting both systems and effectively manage these aspects of the project until 2020.
* The scope of ADAPT will cover all training, and related equipments and munitions, and may extend to second-line support for operational equipments.
* ADAPT will consider a range of support options ranging from Contracting for Availability through a single prime, to SMART conventional support using Lean Principles and adopting End to End doctrine.
“The project is currently in the concept phase. Currently no single support solution has been chosen to deliver the capabilities to 2020; therefore a combination of several different approaches may be procured. It is intended that the solution down select will take place in the concept/assessment phase of the project; this, however, has still to be confirmed.
“When registering, companies should provide a brief summary of their relevant experience and/or ability to meet this potential requirement. Comments and views on the requirements and any potential solutions will be welcomed.”
All responses to this announcement should be directed to the contract point detailed at this link by May 10, 2005.