The UK Ministry of Defence has selected three consortia to bid for its joint service aerial target requirements.
The selected teams are led by BAE Systems, Qinetiq (formerly DERA) and Team Firecat.
The Combined Aerial Target Services (CATS) programme is to be a public-private partnership with the MoD buying a service from the winning team. Unlike previous target provision, CATS is tri-service and one contractor will provide a service that covers all threat types including cruise missiles and unmanned air vehicles.
To reduce the time taken to select a service provider, the UK Defence Procurement Agency has merged the pre-qualification and shortlist selection into a single process.
The CATS should receive initial approval in the middle of next year followed by the issue of an invitation to negotiate (ITN).
Responses to the ITN will be due by late 2002, with final approval for programme go-ahead and the placing of a contract at the end of 2003. Service commencement is scheduled for the end of 2004.
BAE's Insight team also includes STN Atlas, Cranfield Aerospace and Microsystems.
Source: Flight International
