Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2016-03-02
Buyer: Ministry of Defence, C&C, Other
Country: UK
Region: Oxfordshire
Contract type: Services
CPV classification: 80000000
Estimated value: 20000000 GBP

Technical requirements: The Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD) is considering options for the future delivery of training design and training delivery activities on behalf of DEMS Training Regiment. These options are exploring an alternative approach to design and delivery of specialist training in order to meet the current and future training requirements of the UK Government.
We are issuing this PIN to commence a process aimed at obtaining the views of the market of the viability of the options under consideration (‘soft market testing’).
In issuing this PIN and engaging with the market, we are not committing to carry out any procurement in relation to the options being explored. Indeed, the soft market testing may indicate to us that none of the options being considered are suitable for further exploration. Non-participation in this soft market testing exercise will not be taken into account in any future procurement activity.
DEMS Training Regiment provides training in Explosives Safety & Husbandry, Ammunition Technical Support, EOD and C-IED to UK Armed Forces. High Risk Search is taught to Regular and Reserve members of the Royal Engineers and the UK's national police.
We have identified that improved efficiency, effectiveness and agility in training design and delivery could be achieved through bringing in contractor support to help deliver the required outcomes.
We expect that improving efficiency and effectiveness across the training establishment will include provision of modern and innovative training techniques, including an increase in digital delivery. Ultimately we are seeking greater student throughput and success with fewer resources.
Project DEMS also seeks to achieve agility and flexibility to respond to the changing demands of its customers by;
We now wish to explore the appetite of the private sector market to assist us. Responses will inform our ‘Best Value For Money’ considerations and the feasibility of continuing with the Project.
We have identified a number of training delivery and training design functions to which alternative delivery models could be applied. These functions are:
1. A Training Consultancy and advice function inc Training Techniques, Training Methods and the application of new technologies.
2. A Training Design function inc review & production of training content, digitisation, simulation assessment strategy, assessment specification, instructional specification and preparation of formal training statements.
Separately, we are also considering Industry involvement with the Training Support function, including; training management & administration, stores & accommodation support, transport and equipment support.
1. Identify if a viable market exists for the provision of the functions at the identified locations (Bicester and Kineton).
2. Identify the most suitable ways for delivering the identified functions at those locations when considering that market.
3. Identify the most suitable structure for commercial arrangement(s) and duration(s) to maximise the realisation of benefits