Defence Science Technology Laboratory
R-Cloud is used by buyers and project teams across the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
R-Cloud (version 4) is based on Dstls 22 research capabilities. And underneath these capability areas sit further skills areas.
For further details of the R-Cloud taxonomy, including statements of requirement for each capability and skill, go to R-Cloud.
The term buyer is used for the R-Cloud authority representative (commercial), which applies to any tasking procedure.
As a supplier, you submit your application in R-Cloud (the process is designed to make it easy to apply, supporting the diverse range of contracts placed on R-Cloud).
You select the skills and capabilities relevant to your organisation from the R-Cloud taxonomy list. This selection is used in R-Cloud tasking procedures to target opportunities based on areas of expertise and interest. Once approved, this selection can be updated at any time.
Binding agreement with MOD
By completing and submitting an application to R-Cloud, suppliers are creating a binding agreement with MOD. Its essential that the application is submitted on behalf of the legal contracting entity that proposes to contract with MOD.
Unsuccessful application
If your application is unsuccessful you will receive feedback to explain the decision and have the option to choose to re-apply.
Technical narrative
Due to the diversity of suppliers in R-Cloud the technical narrative can be flexible in how its completed. This gives suppliers the scope to demonstrate their capabilities and experience in the way that best suits their organisation. You dont need to complete an individual technical narrative for every research area applied to - the assessment process is a high level review of supplier capabilities and experience as relevant to defence and security research and development (R&D) as a whole.
Character limit
You dont need to use the entire character limit, as long as youve provided clear evidence or explanation of relevant capability and experience. Previous examples of working in MOD (or other defence and security) R&D can be helpful here, but are not essential.
The R-Cloud pricing matrix
The pricing matrix (hourly rates against each role) requested on application to R-Cloud sets maximum rates for future work. Applicable rates will be established on a task by task basis.
Do not input 0 values as your application will be rejected.
Dstl Commercial Services assess submitted rates to confirm that they are within an acceptable range. This assessment is based on the average range of rates held in R-Cloud and any other relevant information.
Financial information
The application should be completed by the organisation applying to R-Cloud, and not, for example, a parent company.
Theres an option to upload supporting information to your application to assist in demonstrating or clarifying this section. For example, if you are a new start-up this section can be used to explain the current financial position.
The mandatory fields in the financial data section currently have a maximum limit of 10 characters. If your organisation requires more characters, please input 0 to these fields and instead upload the information via the supporting information section.
Issues submitting your application
Applications can only be submitted once all sections are complete. If you cant seem to submit your application, make sure all sections have been marked as complete.
Check the following:
- at least 1 capability area has been added
- all elements of the application including sub-sections are marked as complete
- the 2 tick boxes at the bottom are ticked
R-Cloud (Version 4) terms and conditions
The R-Cloud (Version 4) terms and conditions will apply to all contracts placed via R-Cloud and its a mandatory requirement of applying to R-Cloud that confirmation of acceptance is provided. The terms are hosted on R-Cloud - these are linked from the grey footer at the bottom of each page, and in the main body of the application (next to the checkbox asking applicants to confirm acceptance).
You can access the strictly non-negotiable terms and conditions in R-Cloud. Were unable to provide Word or PDF versions.
Additional terms and conditions may be added from time to time as part of the tasking process. We will provide these details in the tasking form (part A).
Shortlisting to tasking procedures
When your organisation is shortlisted to participate in a tasking procedure, you will receive an email notification (this will go to the registered admin email address). The opportunity will also be visible in your R-Cloud dashboard.
Shortlists are produced by the R-Cloud and are based on the R-Cloud taxonomy.
When creating a task, the buyer selects the capabilities and skills relevant to their requirement. R-Cloud then matches this selection with the capabilities and skills selected by suppliers. This means only those tasking procedures which match your chosen areas of interest will be pushed to you for consideration.
Buyers upload all the information you need to understand their requirements and directions to respond to the opportunity. This includes the R-Cloud tasking form, which contains the authoritys statement of requirement for the services.
Only the opportunities your organisation is eligible to participate in will be visible. So you dont need to review adverts or requirements which are irrelevant to the research areas youve selected.
Communicating with the buyer
Messages and clarification questions can be sent directly to the buyer via R-Cloud. The buyer will respond via R-Cloud either directly to that question or, if they think its relevant to all participating suppliers, as an update.
The contact details for the buyer will be visible in R-Cloud and in the tasking form in case of any technical difficulties.
Please dont contact the project representative without getting agreement from the buyer.
Awarding a contract
All R-Cloud processes are completed in R-Cloud. This includes contract award which is an electronic acceptance notice.
When awarding a contract in R-Cloud, buyers will provide:
- purchase order number
- feedback to the successful supplier
- any other relevant documents to be uploaded as part of the contract that are not already linked to the task (for example, clarification questions and responses, completed Limitation of Contractors Liability (LoCL) Annex)
If youre unsuccessful
If youre unsuccessful, youll receive a notification in R-Cloud. You should receive this either in R-Cloud or via email.
If you dont receive feedback within a reasonable amount of time following contract award, and you would like to request this, contact the buyer using the email address provided in R-Cloud or tasking form.
Roles and responsibilities
The role of buyers
Buyers in R-Cloud are responsible for the end-to-end management of their tasking procedures, including the award of any resultant contract.
The role of the Dstl R-Cloud management team
Dstl R-Cloud management team provides advice and guidance to help buyers and suppliers in their use of R-Cloud, whilst managing the overarching agreement. The team also assist with general use of R-Cloud, such as, escalation of technical issues.
Updating your login email address
You can amend your admin email address in R-Cloud, under view account (supplier applicant accounts cant be updated).
If youre an approved supplier who cant access R-Cloud to make a change, the R-Cloud management team can help; for security purposes, please email the existing account details, including written confirmation from the account holder (wherever possible), and the details to be updated to dstlrcloud@dstl.gov.uk
If youre unable to get written confirmation from the account holder, please provide the reason for this.
Login issues
Both username and passwo