Early Market Engagement and Request for information - Antenna to Operator

This Early Market Engagement is to inform potential tenderers that the MCA is under taking a Request for Information (RFI)

The current Agency radio estate is facing challenges as several components are approaching End of Life (EOL). This situation poses a risk of radio site failure due to the unavailability of replacements and spares. These elements need to be replaced and are currently based on an analogue architecture. We propose not only to upgrade this infrastructure, but also modernise this and consolidate into a holistic, and possibly software defined and digital enabled service, which encompasses all radio equipment from the antenna through to the operator's terminal across each of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Elements within scope of this business case include: - VHF and MF transceivers, - Radio Media Gateways, - Power Distribution Units, - Uninterrupted Power Supplies, - Network Routers, - Cabling and other consumables, and - Third-party installation services.

This RFI will help us to refine what is available within the market and assist with the development of our future tender requirements.

Additional information: This market engagement is being undertaken via the DfT's e-sourcing portal, Jaggaer. Suppliers must register on Jaggaer, log-in and navigate to PQQ_544 in order to respond to this market consultation.