LCD-26-0009 UGV to support Robotic Autonomous System

TRIAL / TEST & EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS RAS Breaching1.PurposeThis procurement is for a trial to evaluate Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) solutions capable of augmenting under armour breaching to reduce risk, accelerate tempo, and enhance persistence in contested environments.Participation does not constitute a commitment to purchase.2.BackgroundBreaching under fire remains one of the most hazardous land combat tasks, exposed to direct and indirect fires, explosive hazards, obstacles, and potential electronic warfare interference. RAS technologies have the potential to reduce human exposure, accelerate breach timelines, and enable human machine teaming. Experimentation is required to validate concepts and inform requirements for future acquisition and Army force design.3.Trial ObjectivesAssess whether RAS solutions can augment under armour breaching, including obstacle reduction, wire breaching, and lane proofing.Validate RAS performance in contested environments including GPS/EW degradation and UAS dense airspace. Evaluate integration with existing C2 systems.Determine COTS/MOTS maturity, safety, interoperability, and feasibility of service introduction within 24 months.4.Scope of TrialLocation: Conducted within Army training areas.Window: Delivery in Q2 2026 for trial execution in Q3 2026. Activities:o Breach under fire evolutions (wire/obstacle reduction, lane marking, proofing).o Integration with combat engineer force elements .5. Minimum Capability Requirements- Provide a RAS platform/subsystem that augments under armour breaching including obstacle and wire reduction. Mandatory- Be COTS/MOTS with feasible service introduction within 24 months, including safety documentation and compliance. Mandatory6. Trial ScenariosUGV enabled breach force as part of a deliberate breach scenario. Breaching of dummy minefieldsBreaching of wire obstaclesBreaching of obstacles in the urban environment Proofing of lanes through obstaclesMarking of lanes through obstacles7. Evaluation MethodologyStructured mission threads: breach tasks, manoeuvre support, sustainment.Measured performance: time to breach, obstacle reduction effectiveness, lane proof accuracy, comms resilience, and safe state behaviours.After action review supported by system logs, ISR footage, and user debriefs.9. Data Collection Requirements Usage logs, telemetry, sensor feeds.Communication status, EW impact, disruptions.Failures/abort events, maintenance actions, setup/pack down times. Survey/interview user feedback and ISR/UGV/UAS video records.10. Supplier Support Requirements Operator and maintainer training materials. Provision of spares and tools.The Contractor shall provide technical support services sufficient to meet training requirements and to enable effective operational use of the Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV).Ability for Defence apply additive manufacturing methods to spares to assure supply chains. Fault response times consistent with activity tempo.Safety case, documentation, configuration control.Break-fix support to maintain system availability and ensure UGVs remain operational throughout test, trial, and evaluation activities in September 2026 for approx. 5 days.11. DeliverablesRAS breaching systems and required accessories.Safety documentation, operator/maintainer manuals, SDS, configuration lists. Training packages, job aids, reference materials.12. Risk & ComplianceCompliance with Defence safety, standards, and autonomous system policies. Safe state behaviours during loss of comms or EW overload.Supplier liability and insurances appropriate for destructive trials.13. AssumptionsArmy provides range access and safety governance.Suppliers provide on site reps and spares to sustain trial tempo.14. Future Procurement Statement. Participation in this trial does not guarantee nor provide advantage in any future procurement.

Conditions for Participation:
Suppliers must be able to deliver the proposed system no later than 29 June 2026 to ensure participation in the scheduled Army trial. Delivery after this date will render the supplier unable to meet trial requirements.