The two recently hosted their annual supplier event for the
Analysis Support Construct (ASC) framework contract which
brought together representatives from over 100
organisations across industry and academia.
Since 2014, a significant amount of analysis has been
delivered through the ASC. Around 250 separate analysis
projects have been commissioned, supporting decision making
in Dstl, the Front Line Commands and other government
departments. The ASC contract is owned by Dstl’s Defence
and Security Analysis (DSA) Division, and delivered and
managed by BAE Systems CORDA as prime contractor. The
framework provides a route to access analysis services that
is both responsive and diverse, enabling better and
more-informed decisions to be made across the defence
industry.
Rob Solly, Divisional Head, Dstl, said:
The ASC framework is enabling a range of strategic and
investment decisions to be founded on the best
evidence-based analysis available. This provides
reassurance in the integrity of the decision-making
process and ensures that investment decisions provide the
best value for money.
Suzanne Harrison, Director of BAE Systems CORDA, said:
Over the past four years we have worked in close
partnership with Dstl and have shown the value that can
be delivered through genuine collaboration. The ASC has
given the Ministry of Defence a highly flexible route to
accessing the skills, capabilities and innovative
thinking they require. We look forward to a continuing
partnership with Dstl in future.
The ASC has been notable for its open, collaborative
approach, bringing together teams from across the supplier
community. Over 100 organisations have delivered work
through ASC to the value of approximately £85m, and over 50
have been selected to lead projects. Throughout the life of
the contract, the majority of work has been delivered by
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academic
institutions. The framework provides the widest pool of
expertise for science and technology analysis not just to
Dstl and its customers but for the whole of the UK defence
community.
Case studies presented at the recent supplier event
repeatedly focused on the themes of innovation, growth of
new capability in the supply chain and collaboration, which
have been the hallmarks of many ASC tasks. Some examples
include:
- The use of AI to develop plans within defence modelling
to reduce the cost of using these tools
- Adoption of software development practices from the
games industry to leverage their investment
- Close collaboration between suppliers, Dstl and the
service commands to provide an objective assessment of the
UKs military capability in different scenarios
