Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability Programme (AFTDC)

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (“the Authority”) has initiated the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability (AFTDC) Programme to procure two floating docks and associated infrastructure to be located at HM Naval Base Clyde. As the single integrated operating base for UK Royal Navy Submarines, HM Naval Base Clyde is the home of fleet time docking capability to support submarine availability. Following completion of a period of market engagement with industry, the Authority intends to formally commence a procurement for AFTDC. The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to invite industry to participate in market engagement events to be conducted by the AFTDC Joint Project Team (JPT), which represents all Authority stakeholders in the AFTDC Programme. Events will progressively mature in detail and be flexible to facilitate the flow of information between the Authority and industry participants, prior to the commencement of a future procurement. Market engagement event 1 is planned for Thursday 07 December 2023 from 10:00 to 12:00 and will be a virtual briefing to industry participants who have successfully registered to be involved in market engagement. The briefing will provide the background and context of the AFTDC Programme and initiate an activity for industry to provide feedback and written responses to the questions in the Market Engagement Paper (to be issued in advance of market engagement event 1 to successfully registered industry participants). Market engagement event 1 will be followed up with further market engagement events focusing on one-to-one discussions between the Authority and industry participants. The Authority is looking to engage with suppliers that have the capability to design and build significant elements of the floating docks and associated infrastructure to participate in the market engagement stage of the AFTDC Programme. At this initial stage the Authority does not intend to engage with potential system or equipment