The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking details from suppliers on their ability to provide in-service support for the Heavy Girder Over Bridge (HGOB) capability, according to a pre-procurement notice published on 8 August 2024.
The RFI outlines the MOD’s specific requirements, stating that suppliers should be able to conduct “HGOB cyclic fatigue testing” in accordance with the “Test Code for Gap Crossing Equipment.”
The testing is crucial to “establish that the bridge remains within acceptance criteria defined in the Trilateral Design and Test Code for Gap Crossing Equipment (TDTC).”
Additionally, the RFI highlights the need for “a cyclic fatigue test to identify sensitive areas for monitoring in service.”
This test is intended to provide “insight into crack growth rate, critical crack length, inspection, and repair techniques,” and to ensure that “the structure can still sustain the maximum working load during its useful life.”
Suppliers who can assist with these requirements are requested to provide detailed information, including “Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs” and “technical details of any proposed solution.”
The MOD notices stressed that the RFI is purely for information gathering and “does not represent a commitment by the Authority to launch any formal procurement procedure.”
The MOD has requested that responses be submitted within three weeks of the RFI’s release, with a deadline of 28 August 2024. The notice clarifies that “likely delivery timescale would be by FY 26/27 for the delivery of this requirement.”
Finally, the RFI notes that this request “is not to be taken as an order, and any such requests shall be Subject to Contract.”
This indicates that while the MOD is exploring options for the HGOB’s future maintenance and support, any formal procurement decisions will be made later, following further evaluation and contract negotiations.
Well I suppose this is right up KNDS ((WFEL) street after all they have been building these for decades. I can’t think of any other British manufacturer and HMG have said they want to insource as much as possible. 🤞🏻
But it is not a manufacturing task. It is a testing task.
So Graham that is actually and exactly the same thing.
You say that manufacturing new kit is the same as testing old kit? I don’t think so.
Yes I know but who can be more knowledgable about testing maintenance and support than the original builders 🤔
So long as the manufacturer has the equipment and the expertise for conducting cyclic fatigue testing.
Which is where the engineering/manufacturing comes in . Test it to destruction , sure, but it is still a manufacturing task. If it fails , kick it back. Then try again. Oldest things in the book ” If at first you don’t succeed…..etc.” Testing only gives feedback .
The Royal Engineers have had HGOB in-service for a very long time. They are ageing and the Sappers want them tested to determine how much life is left in them, not to have a contractor destroy them.
Your logic makes no sense. Neither do your comments.
Of, course test them for longevity. But kit needs replacing. Even my knee joints are feeling substandard. But, I begin to understand what you are trying, badly, to say. So I stand down, sir.
I am not sure I am saying anything badly. This contract is not for new replacement equipment (HGOB). It is for the current ageing in-service equipment to be tested by a contractor, to see if they are still fit for further service.
As I said, I stand down. My bad.
NDTthen