RM1043.8-1-Software Development of Maritime Experimentation Lab (MarExLab)

Description

Summary of work Dstl requires a software developer to: 1) To assist in developing and maintaining an existing Synthetic Environment and required simulation components. 2) Enhance and maintain the Combat Management System (CMS) Emulator linked to the Simulation Engine by developing operator GUI outputs to display maritime CMS-like information, consisting mainly of low fidelity sensor detection information, and controls 3) Work with internal and external teams for undertaking experiments using the SE 4) Generate progress and technical reports of all development work 5) Maintain a log of bug fixes 6) Support the architecture and interoperability of the capability using open interfaces such as DIS and DDS protocols to allow operation with other SEs or datalinks. Where the supplied staff will work South East England Why the work is being done Maritime Command & Control Simulation Environments for above and below water have been developed at Dstl Portsdown West, which enable tactical and technical initiatives to be developed, integrated and tested in a MOD owned, cost effective setting. The SE’s have been built using various simulation engine types (including VBS) to generate and run underwater and above water warfare scenarios. Further development of the SE’s is required to build a comprehensive experimentation environment with new capabilities such as simulation of additional platforms, user displays and services and enable connection to other SEs, to allow the testing of new S&T concepts in order to provide low TRL validation prior to further testing and trials The business problem Dstl conducts research on behalf of the RN into future maritime combat systems. The SE’s will be developed further to provide the ability to represent novel sensors and system concepts and work will be required to develop and assess novel decision aids and visualisation techniques for potential use in RN maritime systems. The SE will enable the rapid development and testing of Generation After Next (GAN) maritime concepts to support the maturing of the TRLs of the systems The people who will use the product or service User type: Dstl Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Military Advisors Definition: SMEs and MAs User type: 3rd party suppliers Definition: When undertaking development of technologies, apps and solutions for evaluation User type: Dstl researchers Definition: And experiment participants Work done so far SE’s have been developed to host and stimulate a number of 3rd party applications for testing and assessment purposes. The SE’s are currently constructed from various Simulation Engines including VBS (providing scenario control), ODIN, Dangerous Waters and SEII (providing underwater elements), SADM (providing above water elements) and Carmenta (providing visual output). Representative operational displays have also been produced to replicate functionality to enable user interaction using Carmenta and NEREUS software. Bespoke modules supplied as Virtual Box instantiations have also been produced. Future expansion will look toward using such simulation engines as MACE and VR-FORCES. The tracks from the SE’s are distributed via a Data Distribution Service to installed applications which then process and feedback into the SE through DDS messages. Which phase the project is in Live Existing team The existing Dstl team for the SE consists of a technical lead and a senior software developer, as well as the programme delivery team. The supplier may be required to work with 3rd party suppliers providing apps for assessment in the SE. Address where the work will be done Although the selected supplier is free to work at home to undertake some of the development work, some elements of the work will involve access to classified systems (UK [S]) located at Dstl PDW. Interim software drops and all supportive briefs/presentations, and the final installations will be at Dstl Portsdown West, Fareham, Hampshire. Working arrangements The supplier is free to work at home for much of the development work. Some elements of the work will however involve access to classified systems (UK [S]) located at Dstl PDW. They will need to work closely with Dstl and shall provide interim update demonstrations in Dstl Portsdown West using Dstl IT, minimum of 3 software drops demonstrating the progress of the enhancements to the simulation environment and entities over the contract period. The key deliverables consist of the management progress reports, software drops, briefs and reports, interim technical reports explaining the development work and a final report Security and vetting requirements Security Check (SC) More information about the Security requirements: SC is required. Preference for contractors to already hold SC clearance, however we would be willing to sponsor the SC clearance process. For team submission - One person in the team must have SC clearance. Latest start date 21 February 2024 Expected contract length Contract length: 1 years 4 months 0 days Optional extension: 0 years 8 months 0 days Special terms and conditions special term or condition: Call-Off Schedule 17 (MOD Terms) special term or condition: DEFCON 76 - Contractor's Personnel at Government Establishments Budget Indicative maximum: £1000000 Indicative minimum: £350000 Further information: Core 16 months budget range £350k – £650k. Optional 8 month extension budget range £175k – £350k Contracted out service or supply of resource? Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply Terms and acronyms Term or acronym: SE Definition: Synthetic Environment Term or acronym: M&S Definition: Modelling & Simulation Term or acronym: S&T Definition: Science & Technology Term or acronym: TRL Definition: Technology Readiness Level