The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) seeking suppliers for materials to manufacture the Mk 4a CBRN suit, a component of the protective equipment for UK forces against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
The PIN was published on July 2, 2024, with details available on Contracts Finder.
The Mk 4a CBRN suit, in service since 2005, incorporates Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) or ‘C6’ coating on its outer layer. Given the environmental scrutiny surrounding Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), the MoD aims to secure a substantial quantity of compliant material to ensure the continued production of these suits.
The MoD’s request includes the supply of approximately 889,000 linear metres (LM) of carbon inner fabric and 979,250 LM of C6 coated outer fabric. The material specifications are detailed in Annexes A and B of the Request for Information (RFI) document. Potential suppliers are asked to respond to several key questions, including:
- Manufacturing Capability: Can your company manufacture or supply the specified quantities of materials?
- Standards Compliance: What standards have these materials been tested against, and can evidence of compliance be provided?
- Storage Capability: Can your company store these materials in a controlled environment, and for how long?
- Shelf Life and Lead Time: What is the shelf life of the materials under controlled conditions, and what is the lead time for supply?
- Supply Chain Details: Is your company the material manufacturer, and what is the breakdown of your supply chain?
- Supply Guarantee: What timeframes can your company guarantee for the supply of the materials, considering any assumptions and dependencies?
- Cost Estimates: What are the indicative costs for the full quantity of materials and their storage?
The MoD provides CBRN Personal Protective Equipment to UK forces to protect them against various threats. Continuous assurance testing of the Mk 4a suits has maintained a high level of confidence in their safety and efficacy, say the department.
Interested parties can find full details and the RFI document on the Contracts Finder website here. The MoD intends to use an e-Tendering system for this procurement exercise. Suppliers can register their interest and access further details at www.contracts.mod.uk.
The MoD is currently seeking information without commitment and subject to contract.
I hear Baroness Mone does a great line in CBRN suits…
😛
I can see any new suits being far more expensive due to use of some ‘exotic’ new material, so we will probably buy fewer than we need.
Thankfully there won’t be any tories in charge of buying ppe this time…
It will be the same civil service and managers though!
Relax. Next few years we should no more Tory mismanagement. With Labour in control it should be nothing short of perfection.😂
You know CBRN PPE doesn’t actually protect you against the agents? It’s just something the military says to control you.
I refuse to get my Atropine Autoinjectors, do you guys even KNOW what’s in them!?!? That’s right: Atropine.
Just googled, I’d never heard of it.
Its a medicine. I’ve probably had it a some point as have loads of people. Not for this purpose though.
Who’d have thunk it?
Odd. Sure nasty side effects. Should help – even keep you alive which seems like a positive to me.
At the end of the day you have a choice.
Suffer atropine/PAM side effects with the chance it will keep you alive long enough to receive medical attention or suffer the symptoms of nerve agent poisoning and hope you have received a sub-lethal dose.
Afternoon Dern. Oh? Go on….
(The number of people who don’t get the sarcastic mockery of Anti-Maskers and Anti-Vaxxers is too damn high)
The number of Anti-Maskers and Anti-Vaxxers is too damn high
Fear that your critique of the ‘anti-masking’ contingent may prove to be too subtle. 🤔😳
You don’t wanna end up with long anthrax
edit: ah the jig is up
Yeah sorry, I just couldn’t believe the number of people who didn’t get the sarcasm
Considering the change of government, can this PIN be cancelled?
Why would they? If the PFAS chemicals are going to become scarce why would you not stock up while it remains available?
The MOD/Civil servants are notorious for buying excessive amounts of ‘non urgent’ goods and products. It would not surprise me to find that they have excess materials of this nature, already stockpiled.
That’s why!