In a £400m contract, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has appointed Constellia to spearhead the procurement of novel technological goods and services through the newly developed Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation (NVFi).
This framework, designed to boost procurement speed and value for money, is part of the MOD’s ongoing reform efforts, aimed at streamlining the acquisition of innovative technologies and opening up opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The NVFi, developed by Commercial X, is intended to remove barriers for SMEs and increase access to defence contracts, while also supporting the MOD’s digital strategy.
Constellia’s CEO, Rob Levene, stated, “Driving technological advantage and innovation is at the cornerstone of the MOD’s digital strategy. We are thrilled to be the commercial vehicle that accelerates innovative technology into operational deployment.”
The framework will be available across the MOD, National Security organisations, and potentially pan-government, with an initial two-year term and the possibility of a further two-year extension.
Dina Kakaras, Head of Commercial X, commented, “The NVFi will be an amazing resource for our government Commercial officers to use in order to bring in and scale some of the new technology use cases that we have in Defence.”
Victoria Cope, Commercial Director of Defence Digital, noted that the framework represents a step forward in the MOD’s digital and innovation capabilities, while John Ridge, Director of the Defence Innovation Unit, described it as a “potentially game-changing approach to contracting” that will enhance the MOD’s ability to acquire cutting-edge technologies.
The NVFi will cover a broad range of technological categories, including AI, quantum technologies, robotics, and cyber security.
Some wonderful words but what actually will they do and how will they be measured to confirm their VFM claims.
I assume its 400 million pounds for consultants . And yes how will success be measured
And a 2 year contract at that!
It’s not £400m for consultants. £400m is the amount Constellia will be spending on MOD’s behalf for innovative technology in the areas listed in the article.
They will just facilitate bids from innovative technology SMEs.
They won’t be measured. MoD didn’t measure Capita before extending their recruiting contract.
400m to streamline. Just how cumbersome was it?
Waffle waffle completely unnecessary garbage waffle, and wtf is the £400m for????
It’s for spending on SME technology in the following areas, because dealing with MOD directly is so cumbersome, the SMEs can’t even do the paperwork:
Audio & Visual ProcessingCommercial Space, Drones & PlatformsBehavioural AnalysisInternet of Things (IOT)Cyber SecurityQuantum TechnologiesAI & AnalyticsBiological and Medical TechnologiesFinancial TechnologiesNovel Data Transport and Future TelecomsRoboticsSensors, Novel Materials and Power SourcesIdentity TechnologiesFuture Computing
The bullet list formatting is bust. Let’s see if this works better
Yet another waffle based waste of money… incredible!
What on earth value exactly will these people be bringing for £400mn?
As far as I can tell they are some vendor middleman, you cna go sign up on their website to either sell, or buy things. What exactly are they spending £400mn on???
Could buy 4 F-35s
People keep asking where the money goes.
Look forward to “real” quick, cost effective and correct procurement.
Let’s see how it pans out
The NVFi framework has been developed by Commercial X, an in-house MoD team.
Why is there now a need for a commercial company (Constellia) to be paid £400m over 2 years to help MoD procurement staff professionals use the MoD’s own new framework and to encourage them to use SMEs, especially those new to Defence?
None of the Case Studies on Constellia’s website cover Procurement – have they not really had any great procurement successes?
Do you think it might be the privatisation of another department or role in the MoD and armed forces ?
No. MoD will still have its own procurement staff (PMs, SROs, contracts staff, modelling teams, supply chain specialists, legal bods etc).
Constellia is interfacing between MoD and Industry, especially SMEs doing innovative technology.
Total waste on show? 4 F-35’s? No, let’s spend on some great words and consultants that write more great words. MOD at its finest fellas
Constellia >>>
We enable and empower organisations to better buy and manage category specific spend. With a range of solutions to do this, our private sector solutions focus on services, including Consultancy, and for our public sector clients, this extends to wider goods and works procurement.
We’d love to talk to you to understand your requirements, and show you how Constellia can help deliver better outcomes for your customers and stakeholders.
As I suspected, lots of consultancy , for 400 million over 2 years, thats a huge sum to pay out even for software efficiencies . What happens when the 2 yrs run out , will that be another 400 million 🤔 sounds like legalised fraud to me taking advantage of poor management and accountability of the armed forces budget . Is it more privatisation of the armed forces ? Costing in the long run double treble what it should
Not privatisation of the armed forces. Not even privatisation of office staff at DE&S. This is an add-on. Constellia interface between MoD procurement staff at DE&S and Industry (especially SMEs doing innovative technology).
Waste of good money. The MOD never learn, the procurement process is a minefield of red tape and bureaucracy its a wonder we actually buy anything. And once a contract has signed and manufacturing begins, its almost a licence to print money.