DCCCB1a, Dismounted Close Combat IPT, Defence Procurement Agency, Ministry of Defence, Yew 1c, #35, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol BS34 8JH, United Kingdom

10 -- FUTURE INTEGRATED SOLDIER TECHNOLOGY POC Mr. J. Paterson, PM IWS 4A1, 011441179131247. The MoD is establishing an All Arms, tri-Service programme for the procurement for Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST). FIST will enhance the operational effectiveness of dismounted soldiers undertaking a broad range of defense missions in various climates/terrains. The FIST programme embraces digitisation aspects that will be implemented within Dismounted Close Combat at the company level. The FIST programme has adopted a systems approach to ensure a firm foundation for Smart Procurement. Work undertaken to date has been embraced within the Applied Research Programme (ARP), undertaken by DERA Weapon Systems 4 (WS4), whose aims have been (i.) To examine and assess technology options for enhancing the performance survivability and operational effectiveness of the dismounted soldier by taking a systems integration approach to the soldier and his equipment. (ii.) To ensure that the dismounted soldier has appropriate C41 systems to enable infantry sections to obtain maximum benefit from the battlefield digitisation programme. The ARP has been focusing on establishing the needs of all types of dismounted infantry and current levels of performance. This has resulted in the development of a measurement framework in which dismounted performance at all levels within the company can be quantified. This has enable current (baseline) performance to be established and identification of capability deficiencies to be rectified by FIST. The primary focus of the research programme has been a Technology Demonstration (TD) that is managed by DERA and undertaken by an industrial consortium. An infantry section's worth of equipment will be available for evaluation during the Summer. The evaluation will primarily be based on field trials within the measurement framework used to capture baseline performance. In support of the requirements definition, the Department is funding DERA CDA(L) to undertake Operational Analysis (OA) to provide supporting evidence for capability improvements with the modelling tools being calibrated with data collected from baseline trials. The User requirement will be consolidated in early 2000 based on the capability studies and the evaluation of the enhanced equipment in representative field trials. No specific technological solution is currently mandated for FIST, but is considering enhancements to lethality, protection, mobility, sustainability and C41. Industrial involvement with the FIST project will be initiated through a DPA, multi-staged, Procurement Survey. This process will commence with an invitation for industry to supply innovative and leading edge proposals to meet the developing FIST User Requirement Document. The aim of the Procurement Survey is to identify both industrial and commercial companies with the potential to add value to the FIST programme. It is intended to use the Procurement Survey as a mechanism by which to facilitate discussion between DPA and Industry and in the process to reduce risk. An Industrial Briefing Day, planned for 27 July 1999, will initiate the first stage of the DPA Procurement Survey. The aim of the Industry Briefing Day is to provide industry with an up to date status report of the FIST project, which will also include current DPA views on how FIST might be progressed in line with the Smart Procurement Initiative (SPI). Those Companies wishing to register an interest in participating in the FIST programme, should provide the following information to the Issuing Branch by 19 July 1999: (i.) Details of those individuals (and their position) who would like to attend the Industrial Briefing Day. Companies should note that an inability to attend the Industrial Briefing Day will not necessarily preclude Companies from being considered. (Please note that the Department reserves the right to limit levels of representation should demand for places prove high). (ii.) Supply of Company information including details of ownership and affiliation to other organizations, size of organization, nature of business and key areas of expertise and capability, together with any relevant trade literature. Additional information of any involvement with Soldier System Programs world-wide is also required. A FIST Information Pack has been compiled to provide a general overview of the studies that have been undertaken to date. A copy of the FIST Information Pack will be sent to those invited to attend the Industrial Briefing Day. Posted 07/08/99 (M-SN351777). (0189)

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