Frequently Asked Questions

The LTPA (under FMC WECA) is providing the underpinning support in the first instance. Emergent programmes and projects shall be funded as required, generally by the benefiting agency or programme.

In considering work, the UAS CDC considers a review of “in scope or not” and “should we do it” and “what issues are not being addressed.” The 1* Steering Group provides direction to the Management Board on the nature of work to be supported. The Management Board will decide on a case by case basis whether or not proposed work meets that direction. At all stages, the Management Board will ensure that work is only done if it falls within the UAS CDC’s remit.

SDSR described a future in which UAS were of increasing importance on the basis that many defence capabilities will be enabled by UAS-based technologies. MOD recognises the need to develop UAS capability enablers and, in particular, the test & evaluation capabilities that enable development, demonstration and operation of UAS.

The UAS CDC is working with OGDs and their agencies to determine potential synergies. For example, the UAS CDC is capturing OGD/A UAS requirements, to identify opportunities to make best use of available knowledge and experience across Government Departments.

The UAS CDC is at Boscombe Down because this offers easy access to the Air Warfare Centre UAS Test & Evaluation Squadron (AWC UAS TES), Dstl, Land HQ and Naval Command Headquarters, reasonable distance from Main Building and Abbey Wood, and exploits LTPA facilities already on-site. Ultimately, the core team could be situated elsewhere.

• Undertake work that is not UAS related.
• Set policy.
• A clandestine funding route for programmes.
• A preferential funding route for QinetiQ.
• A legal entity

MOD is using its Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) for Test & Evaluation and Training Support to task QinetiQ to facilitate the delivery of the UAS CDC on behalf of and in conjunction with MOD, Dstl and other stakeholders.

QinetiQ personnel within the UAS CDC are separated from QinetiQ’s other commercial and/or strategic concerns through application of Confidentiality Agreements. When the potential for Conflict of Interest is identified, arrangements are enacted in accordance with QinetiQ procedures which comply with the MOD’s Generic Compliance Regime. Additionally, in accord with normal business practice, QinetiQ’s performance and delivery within the UAS CDC is subject to appropriate business scrutiny and management to ensure consistent and appropriate levels of service and performance.

The UAS CDC uses the screening and validation processes set out in the diagram below.

The Dstl UAS R&D Programme and the UAS CDC work together to provide value for Defence and Security customers. Specifically, the Programme has responsibility for co-ordinating all MOD R&D relating to UAS and for developing associated technologies. The UAS CDC works to develop capabilities to support the evaluation of UAS.

Dstl has staff embedded at all levels of the CDC, i.e. Delivery Team, Management Board and Steering Group.

As indicated in the diagram appended to this paper, funding is available to Industry to help develop better Requirements Definition and/or Statement of Requirements. In addition, the same funding can support progression of small tasks at the discretion of the UAS CDC Management Board.

The Dstl UAS R&D Programme places contracts with industry and academia using existing MOD S&T mechanisms, including themed CDE calls. The UAS CDC is currently using the existing commercial arrangements under the LTPA.

The UAS CDC is keen that Industry engages to support specific and emergent MOD issues/questions. The UAS CDC is developing its Industry Day concept to facilitate fora in which Industry are able to present their propositions on ‘themed calls’ from the UAS CDC.

An Open Supplier Register has been established and provides the UAS CDC with a database of UAS capabilities and industry supplier companies and academia that will be utilised as a starting point for composition of tender lists. Industry companies and Academia with UAS expertise continuously encouraged to register on the OSR.

Finite funding is available to Industry where there is demonstrable benefit to Defence; this could relate to training, test and evaluation, wider UAS enabler activity or to help develop better Requirements Definition and/or Statement of Requirements. In addition, the same funding can support progression of small tasks at the discretion of the UAS CDC Management Board. Email in the first instance, please click here.

The UAS R&D Programme” places contracts with Industry and Academia using existing MOD S&T mechanisms, including themed CDE calls. The UAS CDC utilises the existing commercial arrangements under the LTPA.

£0.5M per annum has been made available to support the ‘pre-contract’ work i.e. scoping work and small task delivery. The funds will also be utilised for tasking opportunities as identified and approved by the Management Board.

The UAS CDC is interested in receiving proposals from Industry that would be of a demonstrable benefit to Defence; these could relate to training, test and evaluation or wider UAS enabler activity. Email in the first instance, please click here.

The UAS CDC will always seek best value for UK Defence. Tasking opportunities will be competed amongst those companies on the Open Supplier Register whom have the required capabilities.

Yes. The UAS CDC will consider the non-UAS CDC element of QinetiQ for tasking opportunities in the same way as other industry companies on the Open Supplier Register. QinetiQ will have no preferential benefit and will have to apply for inclusion in the Open Supplier Register as per industry companies.

The Open Supplier Register (OSR) provides the UAS CDC with a database of UAS capabilities and will be used to compose tender lists.

Simply that industry companies not on the Open Supplier Register will be able to make an application to join the Open Supplier Register at any time. Please click here to register.

Interested suppliers and academia who wish to join the Open Supplier Register should submit their details for consideration by the UAS CDC. Please click here.

No guarantee of work is provided.

All participating members will be expected to sign-up to appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements where applicable. Discrete work packages i.e. those contracted between industry and MOD directly, will be covered by standard DEFCONs in accord with current practice.

The UAS CDC Management Board directs the programme of work to be undertaken. Tasking opportunities requiring Industry support will be competed amongst those companies on the Open Supplier Register who have the required capabilities. Tenders will be objectively evaluated by the UAS CDC whom will also award relevant subcontracts to Industry.

Normally the MOD customer will let the contract(s) to the UAS CDC (QinetiQ) using the LTPA contracting vehicle and, where elements are to be subcontracted, the UAS CDC will let the subcontracts to Industry companies. In addition, the UAS CDC may also place low value subcontracts to Industry for work as appropriate in order to fulfil its core tasking responsibilities and remit.

There is no explicit link between UAS CDC and ParcAberporth other than FMC WECA is the sponsor for supporting infrastructure that enables Beyond Visual Range UAS operations from the West Wales location.

All four of the Front Line Commands (FLC) and the DE&S UAS Team have representatives on the UAS CDC Management Board and 1* Steering Group.

MOD is using its Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) for Test & Evaluation and Training Support to task QinetiQ to facilitate the delivery of the UAS CDC on behalf of and in conjunction with MOD, Dstl and other stakeholders.

QinetiQ personnel within the UAS CDC are separated from QinetiQ’s other commercial and/or strategic concerns through application of Confidentiality Agreements. When the potential for Conflict of Interest is identified, arrangements are enacted in accordance with QinetiQ procedures which comply with the MOD’s Generic Compliance Regime. Additionally, in accord with normal business practice, QinetiQ’s performance and delivery within the UAS CDC is subject to appropriate business scrutiny and management to ensure consistent and appropriate levels of service and performance.