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Provision of Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

19 Dec 2025 at 15:07

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, located in Walters Ash, United Kingdom, has recently completed the procurement process for the "Provision of Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool". This tender falls under the defence and security industry category and relates to system management software development services. The procurement was conducted through a direct award to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited due to the exclusive intellectual property rights held by the supplier. The contract, valued at approximately £3.16 million, covers the period from 18th February 2026 to 17th February 2027, with an additional six-month option available if necessary. Key dates include a scheduled future contract signature on 16th January 2026.

The nature of this contract provides a significant opportunity for businesses that are involved in proprietary software solutions, especially those with capabilities in aviation system management development. While the current tender was awarded directly due to patent restrictions, businesses with potential intellectual property assets or niche technical expertise could position themselves for similar future opportunities. Companies looking to partner with larger defence contractors like BAE Systems may find this sector particularly promising for business growth, as it demands not only technical innovation but also collaboration within established defence frameworks.

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Notice Title

Provision of Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool

Notice Description

The Provision of Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool.

Procurement Information

The Authority intends to enter a direct award contract in accordance with Schedule 5, paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 as competition is absent due to the ownership of intellectual property rights. BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, the incumbent supplier, hold the patent (ref EP2561500) to the CADS system. The service is proprietary and only the incumbent supplier holds the Intellectual property rights and technical capability. Given the breadth of the patent, it is not credible for the market to design around it. While the patent is in force in the UK, the Authority cannot compete this capability without the agreement of the Patent Proprietor, and this has not been granted. Therefore, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd are currently the only supplier who can continue to deliver the flight deconfliction service. Immediate continuation of service maintains operational capability critical in the maintenance of air safety and mission planning.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fa9a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085003-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

72212781 - System management software development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£3,162,045 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
18 Feb 2026 - 17 Feb 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Samantha Morrish
Contact Email
samantha.morrish102@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WALTERS ASH
Postcode
HP14 4UE
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Ridgeway West
Westminster Constituency
Mid Buckinghamshire

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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