Defence Industry FAQs

We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions submitted by our members. Drawing on our sessions with industry, collaborations with major suppliers, and the MOD, we have sought to answer the pressing questions of our network below.  

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Put it to us and we’ll ask our network.

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UK Defence Strategy | Understanding Defence Procurement | Securing Opportunities
Working with Buyers | Exporting in Defence

“What are the stages of the MOD’s tender process?”

The process is due to change in October 2024 following Procurement reforms, however, this is the current flow chart:

“Where can I find out more about how to do business with defence?"

Access the 'Knowledge in Defence (KiD)' portal, (registration required). If you have any trouble accessing KiD, please email: dpas-aofteam@mod.gov.uk.

Log in to Defence Engage to watch our webinars available on-demand. Talk to us about access.

See the document 'Doing business with Defence', [Updated 05.03.2024]. 

“Where can I find UK Ministry of Defence contracts and procurement opportunities?”

• The Defence Sourcing Portal (registration required)
• UK Government Contracts Finder (includes cross-government opportunities)
• Find a tender service
• MOD Acquisition Pipeline
• DIO – Defence Infrastructure Organisation Procurement Pipeline
• On X (formerly Twitter) at @defenceproc
• Defence Procurement on LinkedIn

“How can I stay up to date with changes to the way Defence works with industry?”

• The Defence Suppliers Forum
• The MOD Framework Library

Follow the below profiles on LinkedIn:

• MOD
• DASA 
• DE&S
• Defence Procurement

“Where can I access innovation and/or accelerator opportunities?”

• MOD Defence Innovation Directory
• DASA – The Defence and Security Accelerator
  • Competitions – See DASA on LinkedIn for updates
  • Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP)
  • Ideas Marketplace
  • Market Exploration
  • Innovation Loans
• DSTL – The Defence Science Technology Laboratory
• Innovate UK
• NATO DIANA – Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
  • Accelerator Programme
• Battlelabs
• DE&S/ FCG – Futures Lab, new joiners briefings

“Where can I find out more about the importance of Social Value when supplying government departments like the MOD?”

• Procurement Policy Note 06/20 - taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts

“Where can I go to find out more about cyber security requirements/ support in Defence?”

• Defence Digital
• The Cyber Security Model, [Released 30.03.2017, Updated 22.06.2018].
• Secure by Design, [Released 28.02.2019, Updated 29.04.2023].
  • Secure by Design Principles, [Updated 31.01.2024].
• Log in to Defence Engage to watch our webinars available on-demand.
  • Talk to us about access

“Who are the major defence suppliers to the UK MOD/ market?”

“How can I find more information about how to export in Defence?”

• UKDSE – UK Defence and Security Exports
  • Step-by-step guide to export goods
  • UKDSE Export Faculty (registration required)
  • UKDSE Export contacts
  • UKDSE SME Support Team