BARIUM: Provision of a Low-Light Test Facility (LLTF) to enable the accurate, scientific and repeatable assessment of Electro-Optical systems. DE&S and Defence Infrastructure are working to gather to acquire this facility.

The ISR Delivery Team and Defence Infrastructure Organisation are seeking expressions of interest from companies or consortia capable of designing and delivering a Low Light Test Facility (LLTF) to enable testing of Electro Optical sensors.

The facility shall ideally comprise a self-contained building with a 100 m by 40 m test range, control room, storage facilities, offices and rest rooms. The test range must be able to simulate spectrally correct natural light over a range of luminance levels, accurately and consistently with both temporal and spatial stability.

The final location of this facility has yet to be determined but is likely to be on a secure location close to DSTL Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ.

There will be a requirement to maintain the facility, buildings and lighting fit, for at least 10 years.

Whilst Construction of a building is likely to fully meet the Authority's range of testing requirements, other approaches such as utilising optical facilities already in place at a contractor's premises would be considered and will inform the decision-making process.

Whilst the need for a facility of this type has been identified, the requirement is currently undergoing formal Approval processes. Early engagement with industry will inform the Business Case and Procurement options available.

Technical information is available on request.

Please respond to the Multiuser Account quoted not later than Friday 7th October.

The value of this requirement is estimated at 5 421 000 GBP (including VAT) for the design development, delivery and support of the facility for the next 10 years.