A new commercial framework is being trialled by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to help suppliers bid for contracts.

The framework, known as R-Cloud (Research Cloud), will provide easy-to-use, direct access to current and future research requirements. It is expected to be rolled out across all of Dstl’s capability areas, with a pilot this month focused on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear capabilities (CBRN).

The framework will assist Dstl in broadening access to its supply base, reducing the cost of trading with the Department and making the contracting process simpler.

Suppliers will need to register with the Defence Contracts Online (DCO) portal and provide pre-qualification evidence. If successful, they will then be granted access to the R-Cloud CBRN pilot. Mini-competitions will be run with the suppliers, who will be invited to tender for different tasks.

Suppliers working in the area of CBRN can apply to be part of the pilot via the DCO pre-qualification portal at www.contracts.mod.uk until 11 July 2014.

Richard Bishop, Head of Procurement at Dstl, said: “Our objective is to identify and create a means of working with the brightest and best suppliers of science and technology research. We will keep costs to a minimum and paperwork will be kept simple and readily accessible.”