Dstl Category Management - Project METIS Early Market Engagement - discussing a potential route to market for Defence R&D Categories: PSAS, Data & AI, CSIS and Space Systems

Descriptions

The Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is exploring better ways of working, to realise the full potential of Science and Technology (S&T) for UK Government defence & security, in the following Categories: -Platform Systems, Autonomous systems and Survivability (PSAS) -Cyber, Sensing, Comms & Networks, Information Systems and Electromagnetic Activities (CSIS) -Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI) -Space Systems Dstl has been developing Category Management strategies for MOD under the spend area of S&T/ Research & Development (R&D). Through Category Management, we are considering how to contract for the S&T Categories referenced above, and we would like to engage with suppliers on a proposed new way of working, that could apply from approximately late 2026 onwards. This is not a request for a full proposal or bid, nor should it be taken to be a call for competition, it is purely a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain information. In issuing this notice and engaging with the market, Dstl is not committing to conduct any procurement in relation to Project METIS. Equally non-participation in this Market Engagement will not be taken into account in any future procurement activities and will not preclude any organisation from submitting a tender in any future competitions. The purpose of this notice is to notify the market about upcoming Market Engagement Events, where we will: -share information on Dstl's current thinking -obtain views and feedback from the market, which will inform and support the formation of a requirement, procurement strategy and business case Market Engagement Events We will be hosting two virtual Market Engagement events by MS Teams: 21st March 2024 (12:30-14:30hrs) 22nd March 2024 (12:30-14:30hrs) At these events, we will present information, address clarifications, and welcome feedback. The agenda is the same for both events- you do not need to attend both. To register your attendance, please see this link- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/dstl-searchlight-31186857469