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

Description

Work done so far MarExLab currently includes a functioning synthetic environment (SE) , an early‑stage CMS emulator, and basic DIS integration. Work has included scenario scripting, interface prototyping, and initial experiments with internal users. An SE has been developed to host and stimulate 3rd party applications for testing and assessment purposes. The SE is currently constructed from VBS and MACE (providing scenario control), ODIN (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. The tracks from the SE are then distributed via a Data Distribution Service to installed applications which then process and feedback into the SE through DDS messages. All previous source code and technical documentation will be provided on contract award. Which phase the project is in Discovery Existing team A small Dstl internal team includes a technical lead, experimentation manager, domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and system architect. The supplier will collaborate closely with these roles and external experimentation partners. Address where the work will be done Dstl Portsdown West, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 6AD Working arrangements Supplier staff will work in an agile manner alongside Dstl personnel, following Dstl security and safety procedures. On‑site work required for classified development, CMS emulator testing, and live experiments. Remote work acceptable for unclassified development. All travel must be pre‑approved Provide more information about your security requirements: Security Check (SC) Latest start date 2026-06-02 Enter the expected contract length: 1 year, 9 months Extension period: 10 months Special terms and conditions Call-Off Schedule 17 (MOD Terms) Special terms and conditions DEFCON 76 - Contractor's Personnel at Government Establishments Are you prepared to show your budget details?: Yes Indicative maximum: 400000 Indicative minimum: 300000 Provide further information: Indicative range for core 21 months only excluding any extension. Confirm if you require a contracted out service or supply of resource Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply Summary of work Dstl requires a senior software developer to maintain, improve and extend the MarExLab simulation environment, CMS emulator, and associated interoperability systems. The work enables high‑fidelity maritime experimentation, modelling, and concept exploration for future naval capabilities. More detail is provided in the Statement of requirements document. Where the supplied staff will work South East England Who is the organisation using the products or services Dstl Maritime Systems (MarSys) Programme on behalf of wider MOD stakeholders involved in maritime S&T experimentation. Why the work is being done MarExLab underpins critical maritime concept development and assessment. The Synthetic Environment and CMS emulator require continuous enhancement to support evolving operational concepts, sensor and data‑link experimentation, and modelling of future naval systems. Further development of the SE is required to build a comprehensive experimentation environment with new capabilities such as simulation of additional platforms, user displays and services and connection to other SEs, to allow the testing of new S&T concepts to provide low TRL validation prior to further testing and trials. The business problem you need to solve Dstl must rapidly test, validate and iterate future maritime concepts within a realistic environment. The current tools require capability uplift, integration improvements, and broader scenario generation to keep pace with rapid threat and technology evolution. First user type: Defence scientist or analyst First user type: operator‑in‑the‑loop participant