Following the successful pilot of a new commercial framework for research contracts known as R-Cloud (Research Cloud), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is now seeking suppliers within the area of Counter Terrorism and Security (CT&S).

This is the second of nine capability areas to offer research opportunities through R-Cloud, which provides easy-to-use, direct access to current and future research requirements. Further roll-out across Dstl’s other capability areas is expected over the coming months.

Suppliers working in the area of CT&S can apply to be part of R-Cloud via the Defence Contracts Online (MOD DCO) pre-qualification portal from 3 September until 1 October 2014. Access is via the DCO response manager using the access code: 5J37KNWT28. New users will need to create a supplier account within the DCO portal in order to access this contracting opportunity and provide the necessary pre-qualification information.

If successful, suppliers will then be considered for future R-Cloud CT&S research contract opportunities with mini-competitions being run where suppliers will be invited to express interest and tender for different tasks.

Dstl R-Cloud Project Manager Neil Higson said: “Dstl places a significant number of research contracts every year with industry and academia. R-Cloud will eventually provide a commercial marketplace for research opportunities across the spectrum of Dstl’s capability areas, with a contracting mechanism that will significantly help expedite the placement of research contracts and broaden the supplier base.”