This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

04 Aug 2026 at 14:28

Planning

29 Jul 2026 at 11:39

Summary of the contracting process

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), a central government authority in the United Kingdom, has initiated a tender process for Project THACE, focusing on Tactical High Access Climbing Equipment (THACE). The procurement is set in Bristol and involves goods under the defence and security category. Currently in the tender stage, this process will utilise a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. Key dates include the submission of Project Specific Questionnaires (PSQ) by 14 September 2026, with the Invitation to Tender (ITT) anticipated in October 2026 and the award decision expected by March 2027. The contract is projected to commence in April 2027 for an initial five years, with the possibility of extending up to ten years, covering a wide range of equipment and services.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing and maintaining climbing equipment and providing related training and services. The estimated £14M value of the contract over ten years signifies significant business potential, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises well-versed in defence and security materials. Companies with robust capabilities in quality assurance, technical ability, and project experience in similar domains are well-suited to compete for this tender. As the procurement process emphasises value for money and technical proficiency, businesses looking to expand in the defence sector could benefit greatly from participating in this opportunity.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

715904490-UK1-BROADTAIL

Notice Description

The Protect Delivery Team within Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is preparing to initiate a Competitive Flexible Procedure procurement for an online catalogue of Tactical High Access Climbing Equipment (THACE), training, maintenance and repair. The catalogue of products includes a diverse range of equipment, including but not limited to; a. Ladders. b. Hooks. c. Anchors. d. Surface Adherents. e. Poles. f. Ropes. g. Slings. h. Climbing Ancillaries. i. Connectors. j. Pulleys. k. Lanyards. l. Harnesses. m. Ascenders. n. Descenders. o. Helmets. p. Gloves. q. Bags. r. Tools. s. Medical Equipment. t. Personal Escape System (PES). The contract is for five years with options to extend by an additional five years making the contract a maximum of ten years in duration. The expected spend over the full ten years is PS14M (inc VAT). Throughout the life of the contract the Authority may request that items are added or removed from the catalogue due to evolving nature of the requirement.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: See 'Description of Extensions'

Renewal: 5 option years to extend to be taken 1 year at-a-time. The Authority reserves the right, at its absolute discretion, to not take up any or all of the options. Further information will be provided within the ITT.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d65f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073811-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

37 - Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

37535290 - Wall and rope climbing equipment

75221000 - Military defence services

80600000 - Training services in defence and security materials

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£12,432,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£12,432,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
7 Sep 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
31 Jul 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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