Planning

Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme (Basic Remotely Piloted Air Systems) Commercial Framework

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

16 Oct 2025 at 08:30

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, based in Whitehall, London, has initiated the planning stage of a procurement process for the "Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme (Basic Remotely Piloted Air Systems) Commercial Framework." This initiative falls under the services category, specifically focusing on technical testing, analysis, consultancy, and non-piloted aircraft. The procurement process is targeted at the defence and security sector within the United Kingdom, with discussions currently revolving around understanding the market capabilities for Uncrewed Air Systems test and evaluation. An industry day is scheduled between 19th and 26th November 2025, offering an opportunity for civilian UAS organisations to engage with the Ministry and express their competencies, ahead of a potential commercial framework set to start on 1st April 2027 and run until 31st March 2032.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in Uncrewed Air Systems and technical services, particularly those with the ability to conduct testing and evaluations in compliance with UK regulations. Small and medium enterprises with the potential to gain MAA CFAOS (BR) approval swiftly and maintain equivalence to MAA qualifications are well-positioned to benefit. By engaging early in the planning stage, companies can align their capabilities to fit the Ministry's requirements, potentially securing a place in a framework agreement that promises sustained engagement over several years. The notice also highlights the Ministry's intent to gather industry insights, potentially influencing the formation of the commercial framework, making it an advantageous opportunity for those eager to drive innovation and efficiency in Defence UAS capabilities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme (Basic Remotely Piloted Air Systems) Commercial Framework

Notice Description

Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) are a vital capability for Defence, requiring defence to rapidly assess, develop and use new capabilities. The aim of this PMEN is to understand the current capability of industry to be part of a commercial framework of competent and approved civilian organisations to support MOD UAS Test and Evaluation (T&E) in a more efficient way. UK MOD is seeking companies to submit proposals for the following: -The capability to conduct UAS T&E in accordance with Regulatory Article (RA) 1031: Contractor flying approved organization scheme (basic remotely piloted air systems) (CFAOS (BR). -The ability to gain MAA CFAOS (BR) approval within 6 months of a T&E commercial framework being established. -Equivalence of civilian T&E qualifications to MAA qualifications required for CFAOS (BR) approval. - To conduct relatively short notice UAS T&E on Open - S1 platforms or system of systems.

Planning Information

This notice is for the Defence Uncrewed Systems Design Authority (DUxDA) to understand the current state of the market of civilian UAS T&E organisations that may operate military UAS under MAA CFAOS (BR) Regulations to undertake T&E activity. The description is deliberately high level so as not to unduly limit the scope of discussions with the market. The Authority wishes to understand the current civilian T&E UAS organisations, T&E SQEP/qualifications and supporting T&E facilities. The DUxDA intends to hold a industry day with interested suppliers between 19/11/2025 - 26/11/2025. Contact email: UKStratCom-Cap-SP-DUxDA-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk This notice is solely for the purpose of engaging the market to gather information. It does not constitute a call for competition or form part of any formal procurement process. Participation in this engagement will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement, nor will it bind the Authority to proceed with any specific course or action.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05cdb7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065784-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

34711200 - Non-piloted aircraft

71356000 - Technical services

71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services

71631000 - Technical inspection services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Apr 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
example.example@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2HB
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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