Digital Decision Accelerators for Defence (DDAD) Open Framework
A Addendum Notice
by MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Framework (Services)
- Duration
- 4 year
- Value
- £900M-£180M
- Sector
- TECHNOLOGY
- Published
- 19 Aug 2025
- Delivery
- 13 Nov 2025 to 13 Nov 2029
- Deadline
- n/a
Concepts
Location
1 buyer
- MOD Corsham
Description
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is launching 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, is available in the Tender documents accesible via the Defense Sorucing Portal (DSP) 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.
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. |
Renewal Options
48 "Core Months" with 2 x 12 "Additional Months". Commonly refferred to as (48+12+12). For further clarity, the Framework may be opened at any point whilst the framework is open.
Award Criteria
| Technical and Professional Ability | This section of the Stage 1 COP will test: (1) Relevant Experience and Contract Examples, (2) Supply Chain, (3) Product Authenticity and Maturity 1, (4) Product Authenticity and Maturity 2, (5) Open and Modular Architecture. Question 1 is weighted at 20%, all other questions are weighted at 10% |
| Additional Questions | This section of the Stage 1 COP will test: (1) Collaborative by Nature, (2) Scalable by Design, (3) Land Industrial Strategy (LIS), (4) Commitment to Research and Development (R&D). All questions at this stage are weighted at 10%. |
CPV Codes
- 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
- 72300000 - Data services
Indicators
- Restrictions apply to the lot award allocation.
- Renewals are available.
Other Information
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. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** (1) Notice Publishing and mild amendment to formatting. 19 August 2025.
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-05245d
- FTS 049782-2025