Command and control system. The Ministry of Defence has an enduring requirement to conduct Air Command and Control (C2) for the UK and Falkland Islands (FI). The current in-service systems will be nearing their end of life in 2020 and this Air C2 capability has to be sustained to support non-discretionary military tasks for the UK and FI out to 2040.

The UK Air Surveillance and Control System (UK ASACS) supports the early detection and response to air vehicles representing either a potential threat or special interest in the airspace above and around the UK. In the FI, FIADGE performs the same role as UK ASCAS.

Guardian is the future UK Air Command and Control (C2) System to replace the current UCCS and FRS Air C2 Systems of the UK and FI. The core aircraft control system will be provided with a dedicated Voice Communications System that connects to the UK Defence Network of radars and radios. Guardian will also deliver number of new capabilities, such as:

— Integrated Link 16 Communications with C2 platforms (UK, NATO, and Coalition);

— Interoperability with NATO ACCS — the exchange of information in ASTERIX, ADatp3 and Link 16 messages;

— Single European Skies (SES) — interoperability/compatibility for SES operations in Europe 2020-2022.

The Guardian requirement includes equipping a Primary UK based Control and Reporting Centre (CRC), a UK based Resilience CRC and a FI based CRC. Provision of the CRC buildings infrastructure and facilities is, however, outside of the scope of the requirement.

Guardian is an equipment delivery project, including training requirements and an initial support solution for up to 10 years.

It is expected that, given the timeframes for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2020, the Guardian system will be relatively mature and within the provider's range of existing products.

The support period shall be made up of a fixed period with option years thereafter. The fixed period plus all option years shall total up to 10 years support.

Please see the ‘Additional Information’ section for further details and the DPQQ access code.

The Authority reserves the right to withdraw the Guardian requirement at any time. Respondents shall bear all costs associated with preparing and submitting the DPQQ; should the requirement be cancelled, the Authority will not reimburse costs.