DDAI/010 Digital Decision Accelerators for Defence (DDAD) Open Framework
A Tender Notice
by MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Framework (Services)
- Duration
- 4 year
- Value
- £900M-£180M
- Sector
- TECHNOLOGY
- Published
- 25 Jul 2025
- Delivery
- 31 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2029
- Deadline
- 18 Aug 2025 22:59
Related Terms
Location
United Kingdom:
1 buyer
- MOD Corsham
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.
Lot Division
| 1 | Data Integration
This lot focuses on advanced data integration capabilities beyond traditional Extract-Transform-Load or Extract-Load-Transform methods. Solutions should offer configurable connectors, orchestration tools, real-time ingestion, and metadata-driven management. Emphasis should be on reducing long-term integration costs and increasing operational transparency. Basic cloud storage and compute will be covered elsewhere; this lot covers higher-level functions like data validation, cataloguing, and lineage tracking. It will form the backbone for delivering trusted datasets supporting critical operations. |
| 2 | Accelerators
This lot provides accelerators to enhance data-driven decision-making. Solutions should support model development, machine learning operations, synthetic data usage, and real-time inference. The focus is on reducing time-to-insight and improving operational efficiency. Foundational compute services are covered in other lots. This lot targets intelligent capabilities such as automated workflows, pre-trained models, and integration with operational systems. |
| 3 | Applications
This lot supports rapid development and management of enterprise-grade applications. Solutions should enable microservices, continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment, observability, and secure deployments. Focus areas include fast delivery, scalability, and continuous innovation. Core infrastructure will be handled in other lots; this lot addresses platforms and services enabling mission-critical software to operate efficiently and securely across the enterprise. |
| 4 | Edge Storage and Compute
This lot focuses on edge computing and local storage for real-time, low-latency data processing. Solutions should include containerized edge nodes, tiered storage, and resilient, secure connectivity. Emphasis is on supporting distributed environments with limited or intermittent connectivity. Centralized compute and storage will be addressed separately. This lot is essential for scalable, autonomous operations at the edge. |
| 5 | Services
This lot includes expert services to support technology adoption and integration across all other lots. Offerings may include technical training, architecture consulting, synthetic data support, and proof-of-concept development. The goal is to reduce implementation risk and ensure technology choices are effective and well-informed. This lot is the enabler for maximizing ROI and building capability in a complex technology landscape. |
CPV Codes
- 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
- 72300000 - Data services
- 73110000 - Research services
Other Information
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 HAS NOW EXPIRED). 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 Market Engagement Conference: The MOD is planning to hold a virtual Conference for prospective Suppliers to attend (no commitment to bid required to attend). The Market Engagement Conference shall take place on the 1 August 2025, 10:00 to 12:00 with links to attend at the top of the notice change section. 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 Market Engagement 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. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Notice six (6), THIS NOTICE, 25 July (1) To acces the DDAD Market Engagement Conference please use the following link: https://www.techuk.org/what-we-deliver/events/market-engagement-conference-for-t... Notice five (5) 18 July, 16:59 (1) Estimated Tender Notice release date has been updated to the 1 August 2025. This is an estimated date and may be subject to change. (2) The Authority has confirmed a date for the Market Engagement Conference: 1 August 2025, 10:00 to 12:00. Those who have registered do not need to register again. This will be a virtual event. Should you be interested to register: (Link Removed.) (3) The Authority will ensure that updates are communicated promptly and with as much notice as possible. Notice four (4): 10 July 2025, 10:46 (1) Estimated Tender Notice release date has been updated to the 25 July 2025. This is an estimated date and may be subject to change. (2) Due to continued interest, Suppliers may still register to attend the Market Engagement Conference (Link Removed). (3) The Authority it intending to host the online Market Engagement Conference on the 25 July 2025. Invitations and updates will be sent to those who have registered interest. Notice three (3): 16 June 2024, 15:22 (1) Deadline for providing feedback has now passed. (2) You may register to attend the Market Engagement Conference via the following link: (link moved above). Notice two (2): 4 June 2025, 10:08 (1) Clarification on maximum number of suppliers across the framework lots. (2) The Authority remains comitted to ensuring that this notice is regularly udated. (3) Please note this notice is not a call for competition. The formal call for competition shall come from the Tender Notice. Notice one (1): 4 June 2025, 9:55 (1) Notice Published.
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-05245d
- FTS 043236-2025