ACTS Early Works and Risk Reduction (EWRR)

Overview

The Collective Training Transformation Programme will deliver the Army Collective Training Service (ACTS). ACTS is the overarching requirement for the delivery of the UK military's collective training by a Strategic Training Partner (STP). The overarching requirement is the delivery of the UK military's collective training which aims to develop the ability of small teams to entire units and formations to function as a cohesive entity. Around 60,000 soldiers are involved in collective training every year. The objective of the Army Collective Training Service (ACTS) is to transform this training to match ever more complex future threats, through digitalisation, simulation, a different relationship with industry, and by changing how and where the military trains. The programme will deliver a modernised, integrated, expeditionary and digitalised Collective Training System, with the flexibility to allow the Army to train globally when and where it needs. It will prepare Land Force Elements to meet their Defence outputs and allow the Army to train, in challenging, realistic, multi domain and world leading environments –including instrumented urban. The Early Works and Risk Reduction (EWRR) Contract is intended to acts as a bridge between for the transition from the current Collective Training system to the ACTS and will mitigate the risks to transition and delivery. The Programme Team have identified critical derisking activities such as continuing to mature the Secure by Design products and processes, detailed GFX audits, the plan for transition for legacy equipment, and updating training demand/delivery plans to reflect training year 26/27. In addition the EWRR Contract is required to support STEADFAST DEFENDER 27 through direct support to a NATO Exercise, named ARRCADE STORM 26, the validating precursor activity for the Headquarters UK 1st Division. ARRCADE STORM 26 will be used to validate HQ 1(UK) Div and train HQ ARRC ahead of NATO validation in 2027, develop UK Sovereign capability and demonstrate UK commitment to the Strategic Reserve Corps. It will provide an opportunity for multi-national elements to also participate. The Contract is required for a five month period February 2026 to July 2026, in line with the anticipated FBC approval dates and anticipated Contract Award dates for ACTS.