Award

Maritime Command and Staff Trainer (MCAST) - Transparency Agenda

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

19 Aug 2025 at 13:19

Award

19 Aug 2025 at 13:19

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence has recently concluded the procurement process for the Maritime Command and Staff Trainer (MCAST), which aims to deliver a virtual training environment for Maritime Battlestaffs across various tiers. This procurement, identified under the CPV code 80610000 for training and simulation in security equipment, is valued at £34,000,000.00 and will run from 31st July 2025 to 30th July 2030. The project is located in the South East of the United Kingdom and was processed under a selective, competitive procedure with negotiation. The award was made to QinetiQ LTD, with the award notice published on 19th August 2025. Additionally, the tender process, labelled as complete, was conducted with significant attention to compliance and interoperability with Defence Modelling and Simulation Coherence (DMaSC) principles.

This contract presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved with defence training systems, particularly those specialising in virtual environments and simulation technologies. Large enterprises with capabilities in advanced simulation, software development, and defence integration will find substantial interest in such government contracts. Although not specifically aimed at SMEs or VCSEs, involvement as subcontractors or in a consortia could offer avenues for collaboration and innovation in defence training methodologies. With the potential for integration with international partners and NATO, businesses that provide specialised knowledge in cross-border defence operations and synthetic training environments may leverage further opportunities for expansion and technological advancements.

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Notice Title

Maritime Command and Staff Trainer (MCAST) - Transparency Agenda

Notice Description

The MCAST System will provide a virtual environment for Maritime Battlestaffs (MBS) Tier 1, 2 and 2+ training and assurance exercises. The MCAST System will also provide interface to MBS participation in Tier 3 exercises run by other organisations with the potential to stretch to join Tier 4 exercises. At a lower level MCAST might be exploited for specific Tier 1 training delivered to the MBS or sub-teams. The intent is for MCAST to be capable of linking to the wider Defence synthetic training environments. Compliance with Defence Modelling and Simulation Coherence (DMaSC) principles, as defined in JSP 939, will enhance coherence and interoperability, enable efficiencies, and facilitate integration with other synthetic environments. Links to NATO, other international partners and, potentially, component level organisations are expected to follow. The initial 5 Year Contract Period has a value of PS24,817,763.88, with the costed options (including two +1 year options) taking the overall Contract Value to PS34,000,000.00

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-24e3553c-3c55-4119-944c-ece0be11d54b
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8f9a25c5-96ae-4971-bcc7-04d539b61191
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive procedure with negotiation (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80610000 - Training and simulation in security equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£34,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£34,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
30 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Jul 20256 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jul 2025 - 30 Jul 2030 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Alex Smith
Contact Email
alex.smith202@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

QINETIQ

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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