Not sure I can quite picture what is required here... the FC530 RHIB is 5.3m long so if this is intended as some sort of 'mother' craft I can't see it being much larger... interesting nonetheless!....or am I just reading too much inti it...is it just a trio of FC530 with cradles & trailers!?!
This RFT is an invitation to Tenderers to submit a Tender to Defence for the Littoral Warfare Systems Littoral Manoeuvre Craft contract opportunity.
Background:
The LMC is one of a series of systems being procured as part of the Littoral Warfare Systems Project which seeks to provide the Royal New Zealand Navy deployable maritime capabilities, known as HMNZS MATATAUA with an improved ability to detect and respond to underwater threats through the provision of new and updated systems.
Littoral Warfare missions are supported by a number of boats, which are primarily controlled by MAT. Boats are a key enabler for the LW Force, with the majority of operations taking place either on or from them.
The LMC will be delivered as part of the LWS project. Its primary purpose is to tactically project Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Mine Counter Measures teams, complete with FC530 RHIB, from HMNZS MANAWANUI or a coalition platform over the horizon to the objective area. Once there, it will host the tactical commander, and act as a Control Point and communications relay.
The scope of this tender is to include:
1. Three boats;
2. Support System;
3. An initial set of spare parts;
4. Two trailers (non-road);
5. Two cradles suitable for transit on ships; and
6. Weather resistant covers for each of the LMC.
Defence acknowledges that the Tender preparation period will encompass the traditional New Zealand and Australia Christmas holiday period, when many companies have a shutdown period. As a result, Defence has extended the Tender Closing Time by three weeks from Defence’s originally intended RFT period to allow potential Tenderers sufficient time to prepare a strong Tender while still permitting staff to take holiday leave.