Guidance

Heimdall framework

New Heimdall framework announced with market industry day to be held on 28 November 2018

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Documents

Heimdall framework

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Details

Background

The Future Threat Understanding and Disruption Programme was initiated in 2017 to ensure that the UK understands the potential Defence and Security impact of emerging science and technology in order to reduce the chance of future ‘shocks’ and is prepared to respond to and counter future threats.

Emerging technologies can offer great benefit to Defence and Security but equally many challenges are faced from a world of rapid and fundamental change. Assessing the Defence and Security implications posed by novel and emergent technologies can better prepare the UK defence and security communities to respond to and counter these threats.

The Programme conducts assessments of emerging challenges raised by:

  • developments across the full spectrum of science and technology
  • policy
  • changing and emergent environments, and
  • relevant social, legal and ethical opinion that could have a significant impact on UK defence and security

This will reduce the likelihood of future technological ‘shocks’ and support the UK in maintaining freedom of action in the face of emerging threats to its capability. The programme works across UK Government, with key international allies and with partners from industry and academia.

What is Heimdall ?

It has been identified that there is a need to create a new contractual construct led by the Future Threat Understanding and Disruption Programme for research and technology solutions in order to prepare UK Defence and Security for an uncertain future.

The Heimdall construct aims to provide an agile (responsive) 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). Key programme activities:

  • Future Operating Environment
  • Defence Strategic Environment
  • Information Threat
  • Disruptive Technologies
  • Hostile Use of Automated and Autonomous Platforms
  • Disruption of Emerging and Future Threats

Aims and objectives

Dstl requires an agile and flexible contract mechanism for the provision of research in the areas outlined above which can:

  • Encourage innovation and novel approaches within the supply base
  • Support collaborative working between suppliers and in some instance across commercial frameworks
  • Facilitate capability development within the supply base
  • Provide constructive challenge to requirements to add value

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. The Authority in this context refers to MOD and its various agencies and Partners Across Government (PAG).

Information for potential bidders

Dstl is holding a Market Interest Day on the 28 November 2018 at the Williams Formula 1 Centre, Grove, Wantage, Oxford, OX12 0DQ for potential prime(s) and sub-contractors.

Registration for this event has now closed. Please email the Heimdall team at FutureThreatProgramme@dstl.gov.uk if you would like to give feedback or insight, or if you have any questions.

  • First name (in full)
  • Surname
  • Rank/Grade/Title
  • Organisation and position
  • E-mail address
  • Nationality

Please note that due to the size of the venue attendance is limited to two people per organisation and you will be required to bring photo ID with you. The data that you provide will be passed to the venue to ensure you are booked on to the site; it will not be shared with any third parties.

Contact us

Email the Heimdall team at FutureThreatProgramme@dstl.gov.uk if you would like to give feedback or insight, or if you have any questions.

In the interest of transparency and fair competition, any further information provided in response to emails will be shared on this page, unless marked ‘commercial in confidence’.

You must not take this announcement to mean confirmation that MOD shall award a contract for this requirement. MOD is publishing this announcement without any commitment to issue an invitation to tender or place a contract. Accordingly, any expenditure, work or effort undertaken award is a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers. Announcements may also be published on Defence Contracts Online, Contracts Finder or the Official Journal of the European Union, as appropriate

Published 9 October 2018
Last updated 14 November 2018 + show all updates
  1. End of event now closed added.

  2. First published.