Service
- Army, Navy, RAF
Description
Even though Bowman and CIP are inextricably linked, CIP is three interrelated projects procured as a single entity:
ComBAT - ComBAT is a set of common software tools that will enhance situational awareness at all levels and aid the planning and control of operations. ComBAT will provide the hub onto which BISAs will be integrated.
Infrastructure - Building on the Bowman foundation, Infrastructure will provide the additional hardware and software computing and information services to equip headquarters and enable the concurrent operation of other battlefield information software applications (BISAs).
Platform BISA - Platform BISA will provide an instantiation of ComBAT and DBL Infrastructure into Armoured Fighting Vehicles, optimising their ‘fightability’ by directly interfacing with existing sensor systems and providing dedicated terminals for vehicle commanders.
CIP is intended to have a service life of 22 years. Elements of the system will be replaced and upgraded during the life of the system in order to maximise the use of emerging technologies and software developments.
Capability to be replaced
The current mechanism for command and control on the battlefield is based largely on manual processes for the monitoring and planning of operations. It relies on the use of hand-written logs, manual mapboards and hand-drawn overlays. There is only very limited Communications and Information Systems (CIS) support below the Brigade level. Moreover, at the tactical level, there is no automated command and control support for fighting vehicle crews.
Project History
A contract was signed with the Bowman prime contractor, General Dynamics United Kingdom Ltd (GD UK) Ltd, on 20 December 2002. This solution provides the best value for money option, fully meeting the requirement, utilising existing knowledge and experience built up with the Bowman contract.
Current Status
CIP continues to progress. Work on identifying the requirements for the next capability release is well underway with a BCIP6 Validation Phase. BCIP 6 will be the subject of a Main Gate submission in 2008 and if approved, it will include essential maintenance upgrades, closure of traded user requirements and implementing new technology to deliver enhanced capabilities.
Costs
The value of the contract to cover supply and initial support to 2007/08 will be £330M (VAT inclusive at outturn prices).
In-Service Date (ISD)
In Mar 06, CIP’s ISD was declared (with provisos) and backdated to 20 Dec 05.
Operational Readiness
The Bowman CIP capability currently deployed includes; secure voice communications, limited situational awareness, limited ComBAT planning functionality, messaging capability and limited PBISA functionality.
Quantities
ComBAT software will be supplied to approximately 13,000 computers. Infrastructure will supply more than 2,215 terminals. PBISA will be fitted to over 1,000 vehicles.
Commercial Aspects
300 jobs secured across the UK.