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Under the Progeny Maritime Research Framework contract, awarded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), QinetiQ will build and manage a community of innovators who will contribute ideas to maximise the impact of science and technology for UK maritime defence.

The community is open to any company, academic institution, or small or medium-sized enterprise whose knowledge, products or services could have applications in maritime defence, including organisations that do not usually work in the defence industry. Dstl is making up to £25m available to the community each year for four years to advance maritime science and technology.

QinetiQ will oversee procurement competition processes on behalf of Dstl, ensuring the framework provides value for money for both Dstl and its community of suppliers. The oversight will ensure competition is conducted in a fair, open and efficient manner, encouraging collaborative working while protecting ownership of intellectual property.

Karen Fryatt, Senior Campaign Manager Research and Experimentation, QinetiQ, said: “The UK Government, as part of its refreshed industrial strategy, has committed to making it easier to do business with the MOD. The framework supports this objective by providing a streamlined route into defence for suppliers, including those with little or no prior exposure to the industry. By making contracts more accessible to suppliers from different backgrounds, the MOD will increase its exposure to ideas that challenge conventional thinking. This will ultimately lead to better and more cost-effective solutions, which will enhance sovereign capability and generate new export opportunities. We at QinetiQ are proud to be using our innovation and extensive experience in supporting MOD procurement to help the UK maintain its defensive advantage at sea.”

Elizabeth Harris, Senior responsible Owner for the Progeny Framework within Dstl said: “Dstl are delighted to have a new framework that will enable the best ideas from across the supplier base to be brought together to deliver Maritime research for Government. We are looking forward to a vibrant community that challenges our thinking and delivers innovative and cost effective solutions that can be exploited by our Armed Services.”