Software package and information systems

Tender description

Defence Equipment & Support is key in delivering a vast range of equipment to support the UK’s armed forces. We manage a portfolio of complex projects to buy, support and supply vital equipment and services that the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force need to operate effectively. The programme of work ranges from jets and warships through to armoured vehicles and field kitchens. This means that DE&S manages a complex supply chain which underpins the UK’s Armed Forces ability to maintain Assured Capability, Operational Advantage and Freedom of Action. To enable this, we need to ensure we deliver uncompromised equipment throughout the capability lifecycle. It is clear that even if an organisation has excellent cyber security, there can be no guarantee that the same standards are applied by contractors and third-party suppliers in the supply chain. Attackers will target the most vulnerable part of a supply chain to reach their intended victim. A series of high profile, very damaging attacks on companies has demonstrated that attackers have both the intent and ability to exploit vulnerabilities in supply chain security. This trend is real and growing. So, the need to act is clear. In DE&S, this is made challenging by the complexity of our extensive supply chains who are globally distributed over multiple tiers. To more effectively overcome these challenges and mitigate security risks within our supply chains, we need to build a greater understanding of the key components, suppliers and relationships within the Defence industrial base.