R-Cloud: marketplace for defence science and technology research
Suppliers of science and technology research can sign up to R-Cloud to access opportunities from across the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
R-Cloud version 5: now live for supplier applications and onboarding
R-Cloud (version 5) is now available for applications from new suppliers and onboarding of suppliers from version 4.
Building on the success of version 4, the new R-Cloud will be more agile and ready for the future.
We will continue to advertise opportunities through version 4 until version 5 goes fully live in December 2026. You can still apply for version 4 up until December to take part in opportunities during the transition period.
If you’ve already joined R-Cloud (version 4), your information has been migrated to version 5. You will need to log in to review and confirm your details, and to accept the terms and conditions of the new agreement. You have also been sent an email and a notification in version 4 explaining what you need to do.
Join R-Cloud to gain access to security and defence contracting opportunities across all the MOD’s science and technology research areas (capabilities).
We welcome applications from:
- all types of supplier: non-traditional defence supplier, micro business, small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), academic institution or large organisation
- UK and international research suppliers
How it works
R-Cloud is different from traditional procurement frameworks, enabling suppliers to:
- apply quickly and easily using the online application process
- join at any time during the R-Cloud term, because it’s a dynamic agreement
- receive targeted invitations to bid for opportunities tailored to your key capabilities and skills
- access opportunities to contract directly with MOD
- retain intellectual property rights
- efficiently take up opportunities using R-Cloud’s smooth online tasking process that includes standardised terms and conditions and tasking forms
Everything is managed using the online R-Cloud service - from applying to join, to responding to relevant opportunities.
Joining R-Cloud
A new version of R-Cloud is about to be released. If you want, you can still create an account on R-Cloud version 4 for opportunities up to December 2026.
Alternatively, you can just create an account on R-Cloud version 5 where opportunities will be advertised from December 2026 onwards.
Once you’ve created an account, you will need to:
- choose the research areas relevant to your capabilities and skills
- complete the main application including company details
- provide a technical narrative (statement) to explain your organisation’s experience and capabilities
- submit the completed application
We will then assess your application and you’ll be notified of the outcome through the online service.
How contracts are placed
The R-Cloud tasking process is fully online - no hard copy paperwork is issued.
We publish task details on the R-Cloud online service using the R-Cloud tasking form, which contains all the information you’ll need to respond to an opportunity.
You will only see opportunities that are relevant to your organisation, because:
- when suppliers join R-Cloud, you select which research areas are of interest to your organisation
- when MOD adds new opportunities or ‘tasks’ to R-Cloud, we select the relevant research areas
- R-Cloud matches your areas of interest with our opportunities to create a shortlist of suppliers who will be invited to respond
About R-Cloud
R-Cloud is run by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on behalf of the MOD, and it’s just one of a number of ways to sell to or work with us.
Suppliers can apply to become R-Cloud members for any or all of the key capability areas at any time. You will need to meet the required technical and commercial requirements, and accept the R-Cloud standard terms and conditions.
Since 2020 over 1,000 contracts with a total value in excess of £525 million have been awarded via R-Cloud and usage and spend are increasing. Our suppliers are from across industry and academia, both UK and internationally based, and more than 70% of R-Cloud suppliers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Contact us
Dstl R-Cloud
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Porton Down
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP4 0JQ
Email dstlrcloud@dstl.gov.uk
Updates to this page
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R-Cloud version 5 is now live for existing version 4 suppliers to update and confirm their details, and for applications from new suppliers.
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Information about R-Cloud version 5 added, including link to webinar for suppliers in September 2026.
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R-Cloud is now available again following essential maintenance.
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R-Cloud is currently not available to suppliers while we carry out maintenance work. This will take between 3 and 4 weeks, starting from 29 November 2022.
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Fully updated R-Cloud information with details of benefits and processes.
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Updated URL from https://rcloud-v4.dstl.gov.uk to https://rcloud.dstl.gov.uk/
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Added link to R-Cloud portal (beta).
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First published.