--- title: "The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC), - UK MoD Open Architecture and Testing Approach for C-sUAS (Counter-Drone) Systems" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ISTAR, JOINT SENSOR AND ENGAGEMENT NETWORKS TEAM (JSENS)" published: "2020-08-27" --- # The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC), - UK MoD Open Architecture and Testing Approach for C-sUAS (Counter-Drone) Systems Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ISTAR, JOINT SENSOR AND ENGAGEMENT NETWORKS TEAM (JSENS) Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-56975a85-6c57-48c0-a6dd-1cf6b9c7fda2.json) ## Summary The Ministry of Defence's ISTAR, Joint Sensor and Engagement Networks Team (JSENS) is currently engaged in a tender entitled "The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC), - UK MoD Open Architecture and Testing Approach for C-sUAS (Counter-Drone) Systems". This initiative, which falls under the services category of the sensors industry, is based in Bristol, UK. The tender is in the planning stage, with a deadline for submissions set for 1st October 2020. The procurement process involves ongoing Test Cycles every six months, focusing on static, land-based integrated C-sUAS systems, among other capabilities. This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in the development and supply of counter-drone systems, particularly those that offer advanced sensors and detection technologies. Companies keen on engaging in the UK's defence sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will find this tender particularly relevant. By participating in the RIC's testing approach, businesses can demonstrate their innovative solutions and expand their footprint in the burgeoning market for counter-unmanned aerial systems. ## Notice UK MoD Open Architecture and Testing Approach for C-sUAS. The misuse of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) represents a significant and growing risk to operations and day-to-day Defence activity both in the UK and overseas. The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC), endorsed by the Military Capability Board, has been established as part of the UAS Capability Development Centre (UASCDC) to test and evaluate (T&E) mature C-sUAS capabilities and generate a managed Defence database of available capabilities. Through a regular programme of T&E events, the RIC will establish the efficacy of commercially available capabilities. It will also increase broader awareness of the C-sUAS market and support a more agile method of delivering capability to the front line. To prevent capability gaps and ensure interoperability, it is intended that Defence C-sUAS systems will use the 'SAPIENT' open architecture. This will also ensure that our systems can evolve at the component level enabling the spiral development of capability. C-sUAS Pre-Procurement Testing Approach The RIC has established a series of Test Cycles. Each Test Cycle will focus on a particular subset of C-sUAS systems. Test Cycles will be scheduled for every six months, nominally in the autumn and spring of each year. At the start of each Test Cycle, a four-week application window will be opened for potential suppliers to put forward their mature products for testing via an online product questionnaire. * Test Cycle #1, planned for autumn 2020, will focus on two types of system: 1. static, land-based, integrated C-sUAS systems (consisting of a minimum two types of sensors and an RF jammer, integrated with C2) 2. static, land-based, passive RF detection sensors * Test Cycle #2, planned for spring 2021, will focus on static, land-based, Cyber Effectors, that can effect a drone's mission. The RIC maintains a register of potential C-sUAS suppliers. All potential suppliers registered with the RIC will receive access to a UK C-sUAS Defence Portal containing information about the testing approach and the interface specification. The online product questionnaire will be hosted on the UK C-sUAS Defence Portal and will be the only way to apply for testing with the RIC. Hence, potential suppliers are advised to register with the RIC to ensure timely access to information and application windows. Please use the following web address to register with the RIC: https://uascdc.com/industry/open-supplier-register.aspx Additional information: To view this notice, register as a supplier here: http://www.contracts.mod.uk/delta/signup.html?userType=supplier and search for the notice with reference 'UK-Bristol: Sensors.'. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4f25554d-6b9a-4f76-9ced-cb5b096f3c13 | | Notice type | Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Not Specified | | Procurement method details | Not specified | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 27 Aug 2020 | | Submission deadline | 30 Sep 2020 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 30 Sep 2020 - 1 Apr 2021 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £2 | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ISTAR, JOINT SENSOR AND ENGAGEMENT NETWORKS TEAM (JSENS) | | Locality | BRISTOL | | Post town | Bristol | | Postcode | BS34 8JH | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLK5 West of England | | ITL 3 | TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire | | Local authority | South Gloucestershire | | Electoral ward | Stoke Park & Cheswick | | Westminster constituency | Filton and Bradley Stoke | | Delivery location | TLK South West (England) | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment ### Codes - 35125100 - Sensors ## Release History - 27 Aug 2020 at 06:30 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4f25554d-6b9a-4f76-9ced-cb5b096f3c13 ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4f25554d-6b9a-4f76-9ced-cb5b096f3c13 27th August 2020 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder ## Notice URLs - http://www.contracts.mod.uk/delta/signup.html?userType=supplier - https://uascdc.com/industry/open-supplier-register.aspx ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. 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