Defence Science Technology Laboratory
Dstl works alongside a range of suppliers to provide our customers with the best science and technology, research and capabilities to protect the UKs security and advance the UKs defence interests. Find out more about who we are and what we do.
This page explains how to become a supplier and where to find the opportunities that are available.
Webinar: Dstls future commercial approach
Sign up for our latest webinar on 12 December 2022: a briefing to industry on Dstls future commercial approach and move to category management.
- See our current priorities for research and investment
- See our 18-month forward pipeline of future potential procurement activity by Dstl and the MOD
- Join R-Cloud to gain access to a broad selection of Dstls contracting opportunities. R-Cloud is currently not available while we carry out maintenance work but will be back online later in December 2022.
- Sign up for webinars highlighting exciting new opportunities and explaining how to bid for work. For more information email searchlight@dstl.gov.uk
We work with external suppliers unless theres a clear reason not to: see our
We want to make it easier for innovative suppliers to work with us, including:
- suppliers who have not traditionally worked with Dstl, the MOD or in the defence sector before
- small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
SMEs: A guide to working with government provides advice for small and medium sized enterprises on how to bid for and win government contracts. The Dstl SME action plan 2020 to 2025 tells you more about what we are doing to make it easier for SMEs to work with us, including:
- providing clearer guidance
- making sure our framework supply partners advertise sub-contracting opportunities
- simplifying our contracting process
- ensuring that SMEs are paid promptly
Subscribe to our regular supplier email for the latest science and technology news and events, development in our work, information about new and existing contracts and case studies.
Why work with us
Suppliers working with Dstl have the opportunity to:
- work with world-class scientists and technologists at the cutting edge of innovation
- benefit from increased funding for defence: around half of Dstls multi-million science and technology budget is spent with industry and academia
- test and improve concepts with input from members of the armed forces
- benefit from the experience and expertise of our framework supply partners
- gain access to state-of-the-art facilities for development and testing
- retain intellectual property rights, boosting longer-term prosperity
- have a real impact on improving the UKs security and defence
Supplier Stories: Advanced Material Development
Areas of work
Dstl is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Around half of MODs science and technology budget, managed by Dstl, is spent with industry and academia.
Our work covers everything from space to artificial intelligence. Find out more about our science and technology capabilities.
How you can sell to or work with us
Dstl expects suppliers to:
- adhere to all applicable laws (including UK data protection legislation)
- maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their business dealings
- comply with the Government Commercial Function codes of conduct
- comply with Dstls quality requirements
- protect your business from security threats
Suppliers should also be aware of guidance on trading with the EU, and that UK procurement rules are set to change with the removal of 350 EU laws.
Dstl reserves the right to exclude a supplier who has been convicted of any of the offences or misconduct listed in either the MOD or Dstl statement relating to good standing.
You can:
- sell directly to Dstl, or
- be part of the wider Dstl supply chain, working with our existing framework supply partners
Selling directly to Dstl
By default we buy all goods and services through open competition, as set out in UK law for public sector procurement, and follow MODs procurement process. Dstl do not currently use MODs contracting, purchasing and finance (CP and F) system.
Dstl do not operate preferred supplier lists.
In a typical competition:
- Dstl advertise our requirements.
- Suppliers complete a pre-qualification questionnaire. The pre-qualification stage may be skipped for certain requirements.
- If suppliers meet the pre-qualification selection criteria, we invite them to tender.
- We evaluate tenders using pre