Key fact: The UK Ministry of Defence spends over £50 billion annually — making it the single largest public sector buyer in the UK. Defence procurement covers everything from advanced weapons systems and aircraft to IT services, professional services, facilities management, and logistics. Many defence contracts are accessible to non-defence specialist companies through support services, technology, and supply chain roles.
The four routes into defence contracts
Direct MOD procurement
MOD departments and DE&S procure directly for equipment, services, and support. Above-threshold contracts are published on Find a Tender. The Defence Sourcing Portal (contracts.mod.uk) lists additional opportunities. This is the most direct route but also the most competitive.
▸Register on the Defence Sourcing Portal at contracts.mod.uk
▸Monitor Find a Tender for MOD contracting authority notices
▸Engage with MOD commercial teams at defence industry events
Defence prime contractor supply chain
Large defence primes — BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, Babcock, QinetiQ, Serco — have extensive supply chains. Becoming an approved subcontractor or supplier to a prime is often the most accessible route into defence for SMEs. Primes advertise supply chain opportunities on their supplier portals.
▸Register as a supplier with target primes via their supplier portals
▸Obtain JOSCAR accreditation — required by most major defence primes
▸Attend defence supply chain events and exhibition days
DASA competitions
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) runs open innovation competitions for novel technologies. Contracts are typically £50k-£500k for feasibility and development work. This is the best route for innovative technology companies — competition is lower and the process is faster than standard procurement.
▸Monitor DASA website for open calls and themed competitions
▸DASA competitions are open to all — including start-ups and universities
▸Strong technical proposals beat commercial track record in DASA evaluations
CCS frameworks
MOD and defence bodies use Crown Commercial Service frameworks for non-defence-specific procurement including IT, professional services, facilities, and fleet. G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes, and Management Consultancy Framework are all used within defence.
▸Getting on G-Cloud gives access to MOD digital spend
▸MOD uses MCF4 for consulting and advisory services
▸CCS frameworks are lower-barrier entry points for non-defence specialists
Essential accreditations for defence suppliers
JOSCAR
Supply chain to defence primesJoint Supply Chain Accreditation Register. Required by most major defence primes for their supply chains. Annual subscription — demonstrates financial standing, quality management, and health and safety compliance.
Cyber Essentials Plus
MOD IT and digital contractsMandatory for MOD contracts involving IT systems and data. CE Plus (independently verified) is required for higher-risk defence IT work.
ISO 9001
Most defence service contractsQuality management standard. Expected for the majority of defence service and support contracts. Often required as a minimum alongside JOSCAR.
ISO 27001
Defence IT and data contractsInformation security management. Required for contracts involving sensitive defence information or connected systems.
BPSS
All staff on MOD sitesBaseline Personnel Security Standard. Minimum security screening for personnel working on MOD sites or accessing unclassified defence information.
SC Clearance
Sensitive defence workSecurity Check clearance required for personnel accessing SECRET level information. Takes 3-6 months — factor into mobilisation planning.
AS9100
Aerospace and defence manufacturingQuality management standard specific to aviation, space and defence. Required for manufacturers supplying aerospace and defence components.
ITAR compliance
US defence technologyInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations compliance required for companies working with US-origin defence technology. Relevant for companies in joint UK-US programmes.
CPV codes for defence procurement
Non-defence specialists in the defence market
You do not need to be a defence specialist to win MOD contracts. Large portions of defence spend go on services that any capable supplier can deliver:
Key defence industry events
Defence procurement is relationship-driven. These events are where buyers and suppliers meet:
- ▸DSEI — Defence and Security Equipment International (biennial, ExCeL London)
- ▸DVD — Defence Vehicle Dynamics (biennial, Millbrook)
- ▸Farnborough International Airshow (biennial)
- ▸MOD Supplier Days — run by DE&S and individual commands
- ▸ADS Group events — representing UK aerospace, defence and security
- ▸DASA Open Calls and themed competition events
Frequently asked questions
Where are UK defence tenders published?
UK defence tenders are published on Find a Tender for above-threshold contracts. The MOD also uses Contracts Finder for below-threshold contracts and has its own supplier portal at contracts.mod.uk. Defence and security contracts may use the restricted Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) for sensitive procurements.
Do I need security clearance to bid for MOD contracts?
Not all MOD contracts require security clearance. Many commercial and support contracts do not require cleared personnel. However, contracts involving classified information, access to defence sites, or sensitive technology will require BPSS as a minimum, with SC (Security Check) or DV (Developed Vetting) clearance for higher-sensitivity work.
What is JOSCAR?
JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a pre-qualification system used by major defence primes including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Leonardo, and Babcock. Many defence primes require suppliers to be JOSCAR registered before they can be considered for contracts.
What is the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)?
DASA is a MOD organisation that funds innovative technologies and solutions for defence and security. It runs open calls and themed competitions where companies — including start-ups and SMEs — can apply for funding to develop and demonstrate novel technologies. DASA is an important route for innovative SMEs into the defence market.
Can SMEs win MOD contracts?
Yes. The MOD has targets for SME spend and actively works to improve SME access through initiatives like the Defence Sourcing Portal, DASA competitions, and by breaking larger contracts into smaller lots. The MOD's SME Action Plan sets out specific measures to increase direct and indirect SME participation.
What is DE&S?
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is the MOD's procurement arm responsible for buying and supporting defence equipment. It manages procurement of major platforms, weapons systems, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and associated support services.
What CPV codes are used for defence procurement?
Key CPV codes for defence include 35000000 (Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment), 35100000 (Emergency and security equipment), 72000000 (IT services), 71000000 (Engineering services), and 60000000 (Transport services). Note that some sensitive defence contracts may use restricted procedures not visible on public portals.
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