Provision Of Drone System

The Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) are inviting bids for the provision of a Drone System and related peripherals. CAST have recently undertaken new fields of work utilising drone technology. The current capability allows a team of trained staff to fly basic drone aircraft with cameras to take still and video imagery, however the systems are limited to wide angles of view only, utilising consumer grade equipment. It is the role of CAST to research, evaluate and to make evidence based recommendations to their customers and stakeholders. In the case of their Front Line Support Service, its' role is to purchase, maintain and support a range of search and surveillance equipment which can be loaned out to law enforcement agencies who don't have the budgets to purchase the systems. This is a service the Home Office offers to the police for example.

Cast require the following proposed drone system: o 1 x Aircraft o 1 x Ground Station (including tablet controller) o 1 x Joystick Controller o 1 x Aircraft Batteries o 1 x Payload - EO/IR Combined payload o 1 x Payload - Colour Zoom Camera o 1 x Spares kit - Including spare propellers, motor arms, landing gear parts, antenna parts o UK Customer Support o 1 x Training for up to 5 operatives (within 3 months of delivery, training at CAST site in St Albans, trainer will require photographic identification for access)

Additional information: How to apply Instructions to Potential Providers: Potential Providers must first be registered on the Crown Commercial Service e-Sourcing Suite in order to respond to the Procurement. If you have not yet registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS e-Sourcing'.

Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so at the Invitation to Tender stage. Potential Providers should note that it could take up to 10 working days to obtain a DUNS number. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at: http://gps.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender

In addition to the above:

Once you have registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, you will need to express your interest by emailing [email protected]

Your email must clearly state: • the name/reference of this procurement • the name of the registered supplier • the registered address of the supplier • the name and contact details of the signatory (Individual who will manage the tender) • The current position held by the signatory

It is recommended that you submit your expression of interest as soon as possible, this is to ensure that you have enough time to read the tender documentation and prepare a bid submission.

For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact the Helpdesk: Freephone: 0345 010 3503 Email: [email protected]