Procurement of Link 16 Tactical Data Links with Technical Assistance

Concepts

• data and voice media
• bristol
• technical assistance
• technical support
• link 16 tactical data link
• tactical data links with technical assistance
• link 16 tactical data link procurement
• tactical
• with

Location

Bristol

Description

Supply of Link 16 Tactical Data Link

Total Quantity or Scope

Procurement of Link 16 Tactical Data Link with technical support

Award Detail

Renewal Options

Additional quantities of Link 16 equipment if required

CPV Codes

• 32583000 - Data and voice media

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

Ship Acquisition, which is part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), proposes to place a contract with L3 Harris Communications Systems UK Limited (L3 Harris) for the provision of Link 16 Tactical Data Links and ancillaries (the “Goods”) for the Type 31 frigates with technical support. The term of the proposed contract is 5 years and has an estimated value (including options) of £12m-£15m. 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 without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for Technical Reasons. This is because in accordance with the Authority’s specific requirement, the Link 16 Tactical Data Links for the Type 31 frigates need to meet certain technical requirements. In particular, they need to be compatible and interoperate with the Type 31 Data Link Processor and Combat Management System. The Link 16 Tactical Data Link also needs to be embodied in the limited space envelope available and comply with REACH legislation regarding hazardous materials and be delivered to meet the Type 31 challenging build schedule. The L3 Harris Link 16 Tactical Data Link is the only product that is capable of meeting the Authority’s technical requirements. L3 Harris owns the IPR in its Link 16 Tactical Data Link and is the only economic operator with the necessary know-how, proprietary processes, and equipment-specific tooling and test equipment to manufacture the Goods. L3 Harris is therefore the only economic operator that can meet the Authority’s requirement.