Research services

Tender description

Research services. In order to maximise the impact of Science and Technology for the Defence and Security of the UK, Dstl’s role includes the responsibility for leading the formulation, design and delivery of a coherent and integrated MOD S&T programme using industrial, academic and government resources. In particular, the Cyber and Information Systems Division stewards both the Cyber and the Command, Control, Communications and Computers intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities (including Space). The Serapis framework aims to provide an expedient mechanism for Dstl to access industrial and academic expertise both within the UK and wider, in support of the Division’s S&T programmes, and potentially wider MOD and Partner Across Government organisations (PAGs). The construct should allow the supply base to be refreshed throughout the contract lifespan, ensuring that Dstl has access to innovative solutions and robust technical support. Such a construct will allow for the rapid response to emerging capability needs, Urgent Operational Requirements and surge requirements emanating from operations. Based on the structure and contents of the programmes and the aggregation of wider requirements across the portfolios, the framework has been categorised into the following Lots: Lot 1: Collect, Lot 2: Space Systems, Lot 3: Decide, Lot 4: Assured Information Infrastructure, Lot 5: Synthetic Environment and Simulation, Lot 6: Understand. Covers all aspects of Defence and Security (D&S) space systems from underpinning enabling services such as space-specific analysis; fundamental and applied space research for areas such as the space environment; design and manufacture of space equipment and sub-systems; space launch and range; through-life operation of satellites (including groundstation), or terrestrial-based space systems like those used for the surveillance of space; through to the application of space systems for defence and security exploitation/benefit. Covers the development of Data Analytics and Information Processing tools and techniques in support of Defence’s Decision Making processes and techniques (covered in Lot 3). Includes the development and application of Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, information and visualisation and Man-Machine Interface development.