Restricted Procedure

This notification is not a procurement nor an invitation to submit bids. The Department of Defence as the executive authority of the Minister for Defence on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces is undertaking a preliminary market engagement exercise to outline a planned procurement of UAS. This Prior Information Notice is to alert the market of the requirement. Total Quantity or Scope; UAS systems are in widespread usage amongst contemporary militaries for a variety of taskings. The scope of this enquiry is to establish the extent of market offerings available further to the broad parameters as listed in the questionnaire type annex. These relate to a potential successor platform to the current platform in use with the Defence Forces predominantly used for ISTAR purposes. No strike capability is currently contemplated but the ability of either the platform and/or the ground control component to seamlessly deliver a strike capability might be stated in the responses. The platform sought would ideally be fixed wing, although Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) systems will also be considered. If fixed wing the platform should be catapult launched, preferably propelled by electric motor and carry a dual Electro-Optical and IR ISTAR payload. It is additionally envisaged the platform would align with NATO class 1 –Small designation. Parties wishing to respond to this PIN might, by reference to the response mechanism used on this platform submit replies to the several requests for information listed in ANNEX 1 on or by the 30th of April 2025. ANNEX 1. State the name, model designation and NSM (if any) of the proposed platform. 2. State; a. MTOW b. Endurance c. Payload type(s) and weight d. Speed e. Operational Altitude f. Max VLOS & BVLOS (if any) ranges g. Launch/Recovery methods h. ISTAR components & capabilities i. Additional capabilities (non-lethal such as e.g ECM) 3. Is the platform currently in service with any NATO/EU military, if so elaborate 4. State the territories associated with the critical supply chain elements of the platform and sub-assemblies 5. Can the platform be seamlessly configured to host a strike capability. If so elaborate. 6. What is the ROM cost of four platforms, ground station, two spare sets of flight batteries per platform, charging docks (3) and typical spares/consumables for 25 hours/12 missions per platform. 7. What warranties are provided. 8. What is typical delivery time from delivery of purchase order. 9. Are simulators available 10. What levels of support are available. 11. Does any element of ITAR attach to the platform, sub-assemblies and capability components 12. What user, field & workshop technical training is available.