DDAI/010 Digital Decision Accelerators for Defence (DDAD) Open Framework

Description

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is intending to launch a procurement for a new Defence and Security Open Framework specially designed to encourage the development, and accelerants of, advanced digital 'Decision' capabilities. An Open Framework is defined as a scheme of successive frameworks that allows for the periodic reopening of supplier lists under substantially the same terms. This contrasts with traditional ‘closed’ frameworks where after a single competition process suppliers are ‘locked’ in or out of a framework for its full duration. This Open Framework will operate as the main delivery mechanism for ASGARD; the British Army's flagship Transformative Capability Initiative (TCI). This project will deliver a central part of the Chief of General Staff's (CGS) Growth Through Transformation (GTT) strategy. This Open Framework will focus on the 'Decide' element of the target acquisition cycle (Sense-Decide-Effect); supporting ASGARD’s goal of reinventing, and transforming, how land forces deliver operational decision-support and decision-making software via the use of modern Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies. More information, including the final scope of this framework, will become available in the future publishing of the Tender Notice and associated Tender Documents (anticipated in Q3 of 2025). Over four (4) core years (with options to extend), the estimated value of this framework is estimated to be £180,000,000.00. This figure is purely indicative and is not a comittment to spend, and is subject to amendment prior to the publishing of the Tender Notice and associated Tender Documentation. The MOD has duly considered the use of lots in this framework and has provided the details of proposed lots below. These lots, and the procurement process, will be suitable for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to bid for. Suppliers will be able to bid against multiple lots and, if successful, be awarded onto multiple. Please be aware that the MOD will not be providing additional time for Suppliers bidding onto multiple lots during the tender process. Supplier Feedback on Lots: Suppliers are invited to provide voluntary feedback on the lot names, number of places, and descriptions for the MODs consideration. If a Supplier is interested in providing feedback, they must do so by the 13th June 2025, at 17:00. Feedback must be limited to the lots and must be submitted via the MS Form provided, in Section 2 and Section 3 (Link here: https://forms.office.com/e/GXyHunmrt9). Please note that the MOD reserves the right to consider feedback and to alter, amend, or remove lots entirely on that basis. The final lots will be made clear in the Tender Notice and associated Tender Documents. Supplier Invitation to Bidders Conference: The MOD is planning to hold a virtual Bidders Conference for prospective Suppliers to attend (no commitment to bid required to attend). A date has not yet been confirmed for this event; however, the MOD will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible and in any event more than two (2) weeks. To promote principles of equal treatment and transparency, this session will be recorded and can made available to Suppliers who request it or are unable to attend. The Bidders Conference will include a brief introduction from the Project Team and a run through of the process from the Commercial Team. The intention of this session is three-fold, namely: (1) to explain how Suppliers, especially Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), can get involved in this opportunity, (2) to promote a common understanding of the program’s goals, and (3) to set the behaviours that MOD and Suppliers can expect from each other. While a date is not confirmed for the Bidders Conference, should your organisation wish to attend please complete the MS Form, Section 1, so that the MOD may contact you once a date is confirmed (Link here: https://forms.office.com/e/GXyHunmrt9).