DASA seeks deployable anti-submarine warfare technologies

An image of a submarine, surface ship and a satellite - all connected via lines and nodes under the sea.

DASA has launched a new Market Exploration: Project CHARYBDIS
Launched on behalf of the Royal Navy
This Market Exploration is seeking technical solutions to deliver persistent, deployable uncrewed maritime assets

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Market Exploration as a workstream of Project CHARYBDIS, which seeks systems and technologies that could deliver persistent, deployable uncrewed maritime assets.

This is one workstream of Project CHARYBDIS, which is being delivered by DASA & the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) on behalf of the Royal Navy.

This Market Exploration is run on behalf of the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), and project CHARYBDIS is part of Navy Command’s ASW Spearhead Programme. In support of this the SDA have commissioned DASA to search for related innovative technologies and sub-systems. The SDA are separately commissioning concept studies from suppliers with expertise in overall integrated ASW systems, which is being advertised through the Defence Sourcing Portal.

If you don’t have a login you can still access this from the homepage:

on the DSP homepage select ‘View DSP Opportunities’
select the drop down arrow on ‘Enter Filter’
select ‘Project Info’
insert 705492450 into ‘Value’ section
search

Suppliers are welcome to participate in either or both workstreams.

Do you have an innovative solution? Read the full Market Exploration now and submit your idea.

Exploring underwater security systems and their capabilities

Our Market Exploration aims to identify, prototype, trial and deliver technologies that could support persistent deployable uncrewed capabilities to detect, classify, localise, and report underwater hostiles with a focus on wide areas of ocean.

We are looking for innovations (covering related technologies and systems) that could credibly result in an improvement to uncrewed anti-submarine warfare capability, focusing on the following areas:

Sensors for underwater hostile threats, or their signature.
E.g. active acoustic, passive acoustic and non-acoustic.
Platforms including uncrewed seabed, underwater, surface and air.
E.g. Overall structures, mobility options, tethering.
Analysis including on-board uncrewed platforms, and off-board.
E.g. Data management, structuring and processing.
Communication including in-water, above-water, through surface and tethered.
E.g. associated software, firmware, hardware and integration (e.g. standards).
Launch & Recovery solutions across all domains and locations
E.g. Crewed and uncrewed options to deploy and recover systems
Power sources spanning generation, storage and transfer.
E.g. Renewables and Non-renewables.
Station-keeping and Propulsion, spanning related platforms
E.g. Tethering, Anchoring, Traditional rotary propulsion, Buoyancy systems, Biomimetics.
Navigation, including internal and external.
Data, including collection, processing, storage, management and wiping.
Maintenance and sustainment options.
Training, options including relevant simulations.
Validation, options including test-targets.

Key dates

This market exploration is currently open. The deadline to submit proposals is midday on 20th January 2023.

Submit your innovation

Your innovative solution could help support the Royal Navy in their endeavours to maximise their operational advantage over adversaries. Innovations with a particular focus on leveraging advances in autonomy, and exploring new solutions beyond the current mixture of fixed infrastructure, short-term sonobuoys and high-value crewed platforms, will ensure the Royal Navy maintains their battle-winning edge.

Read the full Market Exploration document and submit your innovative solution.

Published 18 November 2022
Last updated 21 November 2022 + show all updates

21 November 2022
Instructions on accessing the Defence Sourcing Portal (where the SDA are separately commissioning concept studies) has been added to the introduction/summary section at the front of the article.
18 November 2022
First published.

Bus Operator ordered to provide free services

Press release

Stagecoach Devon Ltd, trading as Stagecoach South West, has been ordered by the region’s Traffic Commissioner to provide free transport in Exeter for two weekends before Christmas.

The company attended a public inquiry over two days in June and October this year. A DVSA investigation found that around 21% of services were not running to timetable. The figure was accepted by the operator who put the cause down to a lack of drivers despite efforts to recruit and retain.

In his written decision following the inquiry, Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney noted that this was not a case of buses running more than one minute early or five minutes late (the accepted “window of tolerance”) but one of buses not running at all. Stagecoach’s own evidence was that between six and nine percent of registered mileage had been lost. He found that the operator had not been quick enough to act and was also critical of the information available to passengers. He set the shortcomings against the significant lack of drivers across the bus and coach sectors since the pandemic and EU exit, and the significant recent action to recruit and retain drivers.

In making the order for free services, estimated to cost around £120,000, Mr Rooney also recorded the company’s intent to keep a member of staff available at peak hours at Exeter Bus Station.

The decision can be found here.

For any further details or enquiries, please contact:

Email: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

Published 18 November 2022

Local authorities having to find homes for children at the ‘last minute’

Press release

An Ofsted report published today, finds that local authorities are struggling to find homes for children coming into care.

Local authorities are struggling with a last minute dash to find homes for children coming into care due to the rising demand for places and a lack of suitable accommodation, according to Ofsted.

In a report published today, Ofsted found that the lack of enough suitable accommodation, and the need to find placements quickly, mean local authorities often struggle to plan for and meet their legal duty to offer sufficient accommodation for children in need of care. Difficulty forecasting demand and the need for urgent placements leaves local authorities with little option but to respond to individual cases as and when they arise.

Some local authorities told Ofsted that a lack of time and resources for forward planning results in a last-minute response when a child comes into care. Even when local authorities can plan, there is often a lack of available accommodation and care for children with more complex needs.

Local authorities also noted tension in their relationships with some private providers and their ‘power’ over the children’s social care market. Some suggested that providers can cherry-pick certain children, making it difficult for them to follow their plan and fulfil their sufficiency duty. Conversely, other local authorities highlighted how positive relationships with providers mean they are better able to find homes for children with more complex needs and negotiate the cost of placements.

Ofsted’s report draws on interviews and focus groups with social workers, regional commissioning groups and other local authority staff.

The research also found:

local authorities’ knowledge about providers and agencies is often held by individuals, which can be lost when there are staff changes
some local authorities are concerned about the ageing population of foster carers in their area and their ability to plan for long term placements

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Regulation and Social Care:

Today’s report lays bare some of the challenges facing local authorities when it comes to finding the care children need. More children are coming into care, many with high-level physical and mental health needs. The need to find places for these children quickly overrides local authorities’ long-term planning.

It is clear that these findings are set against the issues affecting children’s social care nationally, and local authorities cannot solve the sufficiency issue on their own. There is a lack of suitable homes in the right places, particularly for children with the most complex needs – this needs to be addressed.

Published 18 November 2022

Vice Admiral appointed NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Press release

Vice Admiral Blount will take up the appointment in the rank of Admiral in succession to General Sir Tim Radford in July 2023.

Vice Admiral Keith Blount is to be appointed NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), demonstrating the UK’s continued leadership in the Alliance. For the past three years, he has been Commander of NATO’s Maritime Command.

Vice Admiral Blount will take up the appointment in the rank of Admiral in succession to General Sir Tim Radford in July 2023.

Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe serves as the second in command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and concurrently as the deputy head of Allied Command Operations. This is the first time the role has been held by a representative from the Royal Navy.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

I am delighted to congratulate Vice Admiral Keith Blount on his promotion to Admiral and appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

His appointment demonstrates the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to NATO and our leadership in European defence. I pay tribute to the contribution Vice Admiral Blount has made to the Royal Navy and the Alliance in his career to date. He brings extensive leadership experience and has served on operations across the globe alongside our allies and partners. I look forward to continuing to work with him and NATO.

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

Vice Admiral Blount’s appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe is testament to his leadership of NATO’s Maritime Forces at this pivotal time for European security.

It also reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Alliance on land and in the air, our exceptional nuclear contribution, our growing cyber capabilities, and our pivotal role on NATO’s northern flank, all of which make Britain the leading European ally.

Vice Admiral Keith Blount said:

It is an absolute honour to have been selected to succeed General Sir Tim Radford as the next Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

He has been instrumental in guiding NATO’s work at a critical time for the Alliance and its Partners and I look forward to maintaining the momentum.

The strength of NATO lies with its people and we have a highly skilled and dedicated team that is laser focused on our collective defence.

Published 18 November 2022

Millions across Great Britain see energy bills reduced as £1.8 billion is paid out in first month of government scheme

£1.8 billion was paid out last month through the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), reducing energy costs for over 27 million households across Great Britain
£136 million worth of vouchers have been provided to traditional prepayment meter customers, with government urging households to redeem them
a second instalment of the EBSS payment will reduce November bills, adding to wider government support to protect against soaring energy prices

Over 27 million households across Great Britain received money off their energy bills last month as the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) provided £1.8 billion in payments.

New figures released today show the EBSS successfully provided a £66 discount for 97% of eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales in its first month.

This is the first payment made through the EBSS since it launched in October and will see households receive a £400 discount on energy bills paid in 6 monthly instalments. The second instalment of the EBSS will reduce households’ November energy bills, which brings the total amount spent on the scheme so far to £3.8 billion.

Vouchers were sent to all 2 million customers with traditional pre-payment meters. The government today urged consumers to redeem vouchers as soon as possible, after figures showed only around two thirds had already done so. Suppliers will tell customers where to redeem them, for example at a Post Office branch or a PayPoint shop. Payzone outlets are unable to accept the vouchers.

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, said:

The government is committed to supporting people facing unique stresses with the cost of living and rising energy costs. Today’s figures show how we are making a difference in over 27 million homes across Great Britain.

All vouchers have now been sent to customers who should have them, so I urge everyone who uses a traditional prepayment meter to make sure they receive their voucher from their supplier and redeem them promptly so they get the energy bill support they are entitled to.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge, said:

We are facing a global energy crisis driven by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we know this is a huge challenge for people here in the UK.

That’s why we have taken direct action, ensuring millions of households are protected this winter.

From December onwards, the amount discounted from energy bills will increase to £67 as the scheme continues to provide support to households over the winter months.

Administered by energy suppliers, the scheme is designed so customers receive the rebate in the same way that they pay their energy bills, such as via direct debit, credit, smart meters and traditional prepayment meters. For the small minority who have not yet received the discount for October, this was down to factors such as issues around a customer’s bank details where they pay via direct debit, and customers on pre-payment meters who are yet to redeem the vouchers.

Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, said:

As winter starts to set in, this financial support should help millions of people to keep their heating and lights on. It’s vital it reaches everyone who needs it.

Most people should get the payment directly, but if you use a traditional prepayment meter, you’ll be sent monthly vouchers that you can redeem at your local shop or Post Office. If you haven’t received the first 2 payments, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, the government introduced new powers that mean intermediaries, such as landlords, must pass on savings made under the EBSS and other energy support schemes to end users, who don’t pay their energy bills directly, for example tenants.

Those on traditional prepayment meters are sent monthly vouchers by their supplier via text, email or post with suppliers having contacted customers in advance of the scheme launching to advise how the discount will be applied.

Vouchers expire after 90 days to ensure it helps people over the winter months but can be reissued by the supplier on request. Suppliers must make several attempts to contact customers who have not redeemed their vouchers, with the scheme also allowing for consumers to transfer EBSS payments from electricity meters to gas meters. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

The EBSS comes in addition to wider government support to help households with the cost of living this Winter. As well as discounts provided through the EBSS, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household around £700 this winter, based on what energy prices would have been under the current price cap – reducing bills by roughly a third. The EPG will continue to provide support for another 12 months from April 2023, and with energy prices forecast to remain high, this equates to an average of £500 support for households in 2023 to 2024. An additional £1,200 of support in direct payments is being provided to vulnerable households this year, with £26 billion worth of targeted support to help protect the most vulnerable announced by the Chancellor for the next financial year.

The government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme is being provided in monthly instalments over 6 months from October 2022, totalling £400 in all. The non-repayable discount is applied automatically to consumers’ energy bills. See more details on the design and delivery of the Energy Bills Support Scheme, including how support is delivered to customers who pay for energy as part of all-inclusive bills.

Today’s figures show the delivery of EBSS in England, Scotland and Wales during 1 to 31 October 2022. The data is published on GOV.UK: Transparency data – Energy Bills Support Scheme: payments made by electricity suppliers to customers.

The first full month of delivery statistics showed £1,834,261,440 worth of payments were delivered through the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), providing support with energy bills for 27,791,840 households across Great Britain.

In total, 97% of payments due to customers have been delivered by suppliers. The reasons why payments may not have been delivered include vouchers being provided to prepayment customers that have yet to be cashed, and issues related to a customer’s bank details including payment bounces. Customers may receive their payments at different rates due to suppliers’ different operating mechanisms, customer bases and geographic coverage.

The figures show £3,822,585,343 has so far been allocated to energy suppliers to deliver EBSS payments during October and November. This includes a contingency payment of 1.5% for the October 2022 payment. Some suppliers are provided with an additional contingency payment where they have provided evidence to support this need.

The data has been provided by electricity suppliers, who were asked to provide data on their payments to eligible customers up to 1 November 2022.

Further data showing additional breakdowns by region, local authority and constituency will be released in December due to a lag in collecting this data from suppliers.

The government is also working to develop an Alternative Funding scheme to provide £400 of equivalent support with energy bills for the small minority of households in England, Scotland and Wales that are not able to receive support under the EBSS. More details, including eligibility criteria and which groups will be in scope, will be announced as soon as possible.

Households in Northern Ireland will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills through the Northern Ireland Energy Bills Support Scheme (NI EBSS) this winter. Details will be announced shortly.