Guidance

Weapons sector research framework (WSRF)

Updated 19 March 2024

The Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) enables the UK government to quickly and efficiently place contracts for scientific and technical research and development.

WSRF is designed to help MOD carry out weapons science and technology research, and accelerate the development of emerging and disruptive weapons technologies. It provides research and direct support to operational requirements in:

  • kinetic effectors
  • non-kinetic effectors
  • sensors
  • architectures

By bringing together government, industry (including SMEs) and academia in a community of interest, WSRF helps ensure the UK has essential technical expertise and facilities, and encourages innovation and growth.

Key features of WSRF

WSRF provides access to a wide range of suppliers, providing access to new and innovative solutions and world-leading research.

WSRF is available until March 2025.

Suppliers: how to work with us through WSRF

If you are a supplier interested in carrying out work for the UK government through WSRF, you will need to become a WSRF Partner. To find out more and start the application process, visit the WSRF pages on the QinetiQ website.

You may also want to look for WSRF opportunities on the Defence Sourcing Portal.

Customers: using WSRF to deliver your S&T requirements

The framework is owned by Dstl but can also be used by other parts of MOD: front line commands, Weapons Evaluation and Capability Assurance (WECA) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

Costs will include effort required for technical work, support from the programme management office to support the shaping of your requirement, identifying the team to carry out the work, and management and technical oversight.

Contact the Dstl commercial team to find out how to access the framework: WSRFCommercial@dstl.gov.uk

Framework management

The prime (main contractor) is QinetiQ. Get more information about WSRF on the QinetiQ website.

Dstl, as MOD category manager for science and technology (S&T), manages the WSRF. The Dstl Framework Commercial Team can be contacted at WSRFCommercial@dstl.gov.uk