The supply of commercial off the shelf water proof beacons.

Contracting Authorities file reference: ISR1/0070

Expression of interest:

Description: beacons, programming mechanism, water-proof mechanism:

The Authority has a potential requirement for the supply of Beacons, the specification of which is detailed below. Companies interested in this opportunity, are required to provide technical details and data sheets for their available products that meet the specification. This will inform the requirement prior to adopting a formal procurement route. All information should be sent to the multiuser DES-ISTARBEACONS@mod.gov.uk

Responses to this Expression of Interest (EOI) are to be submitted no later than 17:00 on 24.2.2019.

The supply of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) beacons — an over the horizon tracking and emergency alert facility for the marine environment.

The device(s) shall:

1) Transmit Location via Short Burst Data (SBD) over the IRIDIUM Satellite network;

2) Incorporate a COSPAS-SARSAT Emergency Beacon operating at 406 MHz;

3) Provide accurate GPS co-ordinates using multiple commonly used networks;

4) Transmit pre-defined messages via Short Burst Data (SBD) over the IRIDIUM Satellite network via AES 256. (These messages shall be configurable via a laptop, tablet or programming mechanism and shall be encrypted);

5) The COTS device(s) shall receive encrypted Short Burst Data (SBD) messages through the IRIDIUM network via AES 256 and shall be able to decode these messages;

6) Be simple to use and configurable;

7) Be waterproof to 10 Meters;

8) Be operable with generic 5 mm neoprene gloves;

9) Be of a rugged construction;

10) Visible alarm and transmission indicators should be able to be turned off;

11) Be air and marine transportable;

12) Require minimal maintenance;

13) Be supplied with operation and maintenance manuals;

14) Be compliant with all UK Safety legislation;

15) Be supplied with a waterproofing mechanism, enabling the user to take the device down to 30 M (The device does not have to function whilst at this depth, but is required to function upon return to 10 Meters below the surface);

16) Separate battery supply to IRIDIUM and COSPAS, the IRIDIUM battery pack/cells must be rechargeable.