Award

Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

08 Oct 2025 at 08:31

Award

28 Aug 2025 at 13:34

Award

21 Aug 2025 at 12:28

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence (MOD), located in Bristol, United Kingdom, has awarded a contract under the direct award procedure to Rowden Technologies for the Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS). The contract, valued at £4,800,000 gross, commenced on 17 September 2025 and is set to conclude on 31 March 2026, with possible extensions until 31 August 2026. This procurement, classified under the defence security special regime and the engineering design services industry category, bypassed a competitive tendering process due to technical requirements and repeat service provisions. Rowden Technologies had previously been responsible for designing the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) project, making them uniquely qualified to support the DDS system based on their existing expertise and the continuity needed for the project.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those specialising in engineering design services within the defence sector. Given the unique technical knowledge required, businesses that have previously engaged with the MOD or have experience in DSA systems will find this contract particularly advantageous for growth. It also indicates a potential for contracted work in upcoming similar projects, thus encouraging businesses to position themselves as key partners in future MOD endeavours. With the right credentials, enterprises can leverage this contract as a stepping stone to securing longer-term engagements within the defence sector.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS)

Notice Description

The DDS requirement is to deliver a quantity of radios and ancillaries to be connected to provide the DDS system. The design to be used to deliver is owned by the MOD and was delivered as part of the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) project by Rowden Technologies. The DSA project has been delayed but the design has been used by other MOD teams. Rowden continuation of support is required to deliver DDS capability, building on work they have already completed as the Design and Integration Partner for DSA project.

Procurement Information

The TacSys Service Executive (SE) within Defence Digital (DD), part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), have placed with Rowden Technologies a 7-month contract for the Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS). It was considered that this contract can be placed using a Direct Award Procedure pursuant to Schedule 5, Paras 6 & 7, of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) due to technical reasons and the supply of repeat services. Following the competitive procedure through the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS 5) framework, the MOD awarded initial Design and Integration Partner (DIP) 2-year contract to Rowden Technologies in July 2021. The scope of the contract was to deliver a DSA system design, which would be used by the MOD to carry out an Assessment Phase competition and to supply the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) system at scale. This design was delivered and has been extensively used and further developed by the MOD and will be used to deliver DDS requirement. As such a new short-term support contract is required prior to planned competition for a longer term contract. Rowden were responsible for the development and delivery of the DSA system design and are currently the only company who have the requisite technical knowhow, expertise and experience to carry out the activities required for the DDS. A change of supplier at this time would introduce disproportionate technical difficulties in both the operation and maintenance of the DDS system, resulting in a loss of capability. Due to the above reasons the requirement will continue as a single source requirement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058c27
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063120-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71320000 - Engineering design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Aug 20256 months ago
Contract Period
16 Sep 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Kate Pelechata
Contact Email
example.example@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
0303 384 3636

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
Not specified

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ROWDEN TECHNOLOGIES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-058c27-2025-10-08T09:31:56+01:00",
    "date": "2025-10-08T09:31:56+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-058c27",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
            "name": "Ministry of Defence",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHVX-4316-ZVGZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Abbey Wood South",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "postalCode": "BS34 8JH",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Kate Pelechata",
                "email": "example.example@mod.gov.uk",
                "telephone": "0303 384 3636"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-09981110",
            "name": "Rowden Technologies",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "09981110"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit G3c Bolingbroke Way",
                "locality": "Bristol",
                "postalCode": "BS34 6FE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKK12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "petewilliams@rowdentech.com",
                "telephone": "0117 313 1236"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.rowdentech.com",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            },
            "control": {
                "description": "Robert Harper, Director, September 1987 Alexander Bloomfield, Director, October 1983 Clifford Kamara, Director, November 1981 Joseph Martin Robinson, Director, November 1984"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
        "name": "Ministry of Defence"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "715611454",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS)",
        "description": "The DDS requirement is to deliver a quantity of radios and ancillaries to be connected to provide the DDS system. The design to be used to deliver is owned by the MOD and was delivered as part of the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) project by Rowden Technologies. The DSA project has been delayed but the design has been used by other MOD teams. Rowden continuation of support is required to deliver DDS capability, building on work they have already completed as the Design and Integration Partner for DSA project.",
        "status": "complete",
        "procurementMethod": "direct",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
        "procurementMethodRationale": "The TacSys Service Executive (SE) within Defence Digital (DD), part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), have placed with Rowden Technologies a 7-month contract for the Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS). It was considered that this contract can be placed using a Direct Award Procedure pursuant to Schedule 5, Paras 6 & 7, of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) due to technical reasons and the supply of repeat services. Following the competitive procedure through the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS 5) framework, the MOD awarded initial Design and Integration Partner (DIP) 2-year contract to Rowden Technologies in July 2021. The scope of the contract was to deliver a DSA system design, which would be used by the MOD to carry out an Assessment Phase competition and to supply the Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) system at scale. This design was delivered and has been extensively used and further developed by the MOD and will be used to deliver DDS requirement. As such a new short-term support contract is required prior to planned competition for a longer term contract. Rowden were responsible for the development and delivery of the DSA system design and are currently the only company who have the requisite technical knowhow, expertise and experience to carry out the activities required for the DDS. A change of supplier at this time would introduce disproportionate technical difficulties in both the operation and maintenance of the DDS system, resulting in a loss of capability. Due to the above reasons the requirement will continue as a single source requirement.",
        "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
            {
                "id": "switchingDirectAward"
            }
        ],
        "specialRegime": [
            "defenceSecurity"
        ],
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Provision of support services to TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS)",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 4800000,
                "amount": 4000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-09981110",
                    "name": "Rowden Technologies"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "71320000",
                            "description": "Engineering design services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UKK12",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2025-09-09T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2026-08-21T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Extended if the competition to replace is delayed"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "Two extension periods to extend the service until replaced"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "050535-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK5",
                    "description": "Transparency notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050535-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-08-21T13:28:33+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                },
                {
                    "id": "052028-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/052028-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-08-28T14:34:46+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2025-09-09T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ],
            "date": "2025-08-27T00:00:00+01:00",
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2025-09-08T23:59:59+01:00"
            }
        }
    ],
    "language": "en",
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "title": "Provision of Support Services to the TacSys Dismounted Data System (DDS)",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2025-09-17T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2026-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Two extension periods to extend the service until replaced."
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "2x extenson options: 1x to cover period Apr-Jun'26 and 1x to cover period Jul-Aug'26"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 4800000,
                "amount": 4000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2025-09-17T00:00:00+01:00",
            "agreedMetrics": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "title": "Provision of cellular service",
                    "description": "Provision of a monthly report on use of the remaining SIM card and Data provision. These should be provided as an electronic version in an editable format such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint etc.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 1
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "2",
                    "title": "Service desk response time",
                    "description": "The speed at which the service desk responds to calls during any exercise or deployment. This must be measured by Rowden Technologies and evidence provided to the Authority on a monthly basis as an electronic version in an editable format such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint etc.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 1
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "3",
                    "title": "Post Exercise observation report",
                    "description": "Provision of a summary of lessons learnt during the user trials and test activities identifying what worked well, what could be improved, and any necessary adjustments for future use. This shall record system insights such as system faults, failure rates and incidents (including situation and environmental metrics such as temperature, conditions in use etc.). The report should also consider the conditions under which the kit was used and the performance standards it was designed to meet.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInDays": 10
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                }
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "063120-2025",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063120-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-10-08T09:31:56+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}