Open Framework for Boat Recognised Organisations

It is the Naval Authority’s role to provide safety certification for all MOD Shipping, which includes over 2500 boats less than 24 metres in length. To do this, Naval Authorities develop and maintain safety rules and standards to formally recognise organisations to perform certification activities on their behalf. These recognised organisations, under their similar civil delegation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, must maintain a current knowledge of all aspects of boat safety and civil rules and regulations.

There is an essential need for the Naval Authority to have a commercial arrangement with Recognised Organisations (RO) to provide feedback and experience on certification, implementation of standards, development of codes, tailoring thereof and training etc. The Authority seeks to implement an Open Framework with Ministry of Defence Naval Boat Recognised Organisations.

An Open Framework is defined as a scheme of successive frameworks that allows for the periodic reopening of supplier lists under substantially the same terms. This contrasts with traditional 'closed' frameworks where after a single process suppliers are attached to a framework for its full duration. This Open Framework will operate as the main delivery mechanism for the Naval Boat Recognised Organisations, highlighting the qualified suppliers available to perform the services required and allow the opportunity for new entrants to join when the Framework is reopened.

It is estimated this Framework will span over four core years, with the option to re-open after the first two years (with options to extend). The estimated value of this framework has been identified as being below threshold of £135,000 over four years which will cover individual tasks. This figure is indicative, not a commitment to spend, and is subject to amendment prior to the publishing of the Invitation to Participate Notice and associated Documentation. Individual requirements will be sought by using a tasking request form with each task defining the Requirement, Deliverables, Acceptance Criteria and Timing. Deliverables may include, but not necessarily limited to, technical reports, survey findings, presentations, training and certification.

Tasking requests against this Open Framework will seek to cover work of the type listed below, but subject to variation.

a) Provision of civil and naval Safety Regulation advice.

b) Development of MoD Boat Safety Rules and Standards.

c) Provision of boat survey training.

d) Technical support.

e) Boat Survey & Certification; and

f) Technical audit.

To help industry and MOD understand availability within the market to meet this requirement, MOD has outlined a set of applicable standards to be met enabling acceptance on this Open Framework. Participants shall be required to provide evidence in support for agreement by the Naval Authority. The Authority has the right to request this evidence at any time in the duration of the Open Framework Agreement to ensure Standards are maintained.