Air Command wishes to investigate the ability to integrate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components with a suitable ownership emulation and the Gladiator synthetic environment to develop a prototype targeted fidelity synthetic operational mission training system for Shadow.

As this is a CCD, Air Command is looking for bidders to demonstrate what capability can be delivered within a defined budget and timeframe rather than contracting against an extensive set of User and System Requirements.

The delivered system will be tested against an endorsed Shadow operational training scenario and assessed by qualified Shadow operators in order to support any decision to take the capability into core or to develop it further Successful bidders will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of Shadow mission systems, and the Gladiator System of Systems - including its COTS components, experience of working with COTS software and components in an agile military capability delivery process, the ability to work at up to UK Secret and to present a detailed and costed delivery plan for this activity.

Gladiator Independent Technical Support personnel will assess bids for technical feasibility and value for money, provide subject matter expert support to the winning bidder and technically assure the final product to ensure compliance with the Gladiator System of Systems and the potential to develop a full operational system.

You must not take this Prior Information Notice to mean confirmation that the Authority shall award a contract for this requirement.

The Authority is publishing this announcement without any commitment to issue a tender or place a contract.

Accordingly, any expenditure, work or effort undertaken before contract award is a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers.