Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom

1. Title: LINK 16 ELECTRONIC CRYPT KEY OPERATOR 1 OF 2- FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT- SHORT DEADLINE
2. Awarding Authority: Ministry of Defence, GB. Web:
3. Contract type: Service contract
4. Description: CSD L16M EKEY OPERATOR is responsible for; provision of L16 electronic keying material to CSD’s cryptographic custodian accounts; Operation of equipment and completion of processes required to enable provision of L16 keymat; Support to CSD and L16 project team to plan and prepare for continued development of CSD L16 support.
5. CPV Code(s): 72000000, 72200000, 72212000, 72262000
6. NUTS code(s): UKK, UKK1, UKK15
7. Main site or location of works, main place of delivery or main place of performance: Location: South West England
Address where the work will take place MOD Corsham, SN13 9NR
8. Reference attributed by awarding authority: Not provided.
9. Estimated value of requirement: Maximum day rate: £820.00 per day
10. Closing date for applications 3.5.2022 (23:59).
11. Address to which they must be sent: For further information regarding the above contract notice please visit
12. Other information: Deadline for asking questions: Thursday 28 April 2022 at 11:59pm GMT
Overview :
Specialist role: Technical Architect
Latest start date: Friday 1 July 2022
Expected contract length: Initial Term 12 months, with option to extend for a further 3 x 6 month extension periods.
About the work
Early market engagement : Not Applicable
Who the specialist will work with : The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplined team. This team consists of Authority Crown Servants, technical resource, and military staff.
What the specialist will work on: 1.Conduct processes to enable the provision of L16 keymat.
2.Act as system manager for the LKMS installation
3.Manage incidents and problems with L16 keymat, providing guidance to end users.
4.Ensuring cryptographic material is authorised for issue in liaison with CSD teams.
5.Document processes associated with End-to-End provision of L16 electronic keymat, stored at an appropriate protective marking and updated as required
6.Liaison with sSCs, Controlling Authorities, Key Producers & Users on issues that impact delivery.
7.Input into development of CSD support to L16.
8.Support the CSD Ekey team to operate and maintain systems and equipment for the provision of ekey.
Work setup
Working arrangements : Due to the requirement to access bespoke IT systems and the nature of the work above OS this role will be office based 5 days a week. There may be occasion to work outside of normal working hours if operationally urgent. Any leave must be agreed with your line manager.
Security clearance : Evidence of DV security clearance and validity dates for the duration of the contract will be required by the contract start date.
Additional information
Additional terms and conditions : Suppliers must use Authority’s Purchase Payment Tool CP&F or be prepared to sign up to the tool.
The Cyber Risk Profile for this requirement will be completed and details provided at Stage 2.
The Authority reserves the right, but is not obliged to withdraw this advert and/or ITT at any time, or choose not to award any Contract as a result of this tender process, or re-invite Tenders on the same or any alternative basis.
Skills and experience
Buyers will use the essential and nice-to-have skills and experience to help them evaluate suppliers’ technical competence.
Essential skills and experience: Have experience of modern electronic crypt key. Relevant and recent experience of using electronic crypt key in LINK 16 would be preferred. Experience of similar systems would be considered (20%)
A high degree of IT competency focusing on solving interoperability issues presented when running on different operating systems. Ability to pass knowledge to permanent members of staff is beneficial. (25%)
Have experience using MOD IT, or similar experience within a relatable industry system (10%)
Have broad, practical experience in all aspects of CIS support to operations (or relatable experience in a similar industry) (10%)
Nice-to-have skills and experience: Cryptographic Custodian Trained
Experience of J3/J5 Ops and Plans activities
Knowledge and experience of JSP 440, 441, 490, 491
Knowledge of tactical data links and communication networks
How suppliers will be evaluated: All suppliers will be asked to provide a work history.
How many specialists to evaluate: 5
Cultural fit criteria: Be able to work comfortably in a joint environment with a mix of Civil Servant and Military staff (1%)
Take responsibility for their work (2%)
Work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers (2%)
Social Value – Demonstration of the company’s approach to Support educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications (5%)
Social Value – Demonstration of the company’s approach to delivering additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions (2.5%)
Social Value – Demonstration of the company’s actions to identify and tackle inequality in employment, skills and pay in the contract workforce (2.5%)
Additional assessment methods : Interview
Evaluation weighting: Technical competence
65%
Cultural fit
15%
Price
20%
Questions asked by suppliers
Could the Authority confirm whether there is an incumbent? : There is currently an incumbent supplier, but the identity of the LINK 16 supply chain is sensitive information. All potential providers who are able to meet the requirements of the framework are free to engage in this procurement.
TKR-2022427-EX-1810133