Do I need security clearance to bid?

Not always. Many contracts require it only for named personnel or only after award. The notice or SQ will state the minimum level.

What cyber requirements apply to MOD work?

DEFCON 658 usually requires a Cyber Risk Assessment reference and a matching Cyber Implementation Plan, with Cyber Essentials as a common baseline.

MOD tenders UK

Defence and MOD tenders in the UK

Defence procurement is not only large prime contracts. The Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and associated agencies buy an enormous range of smaller goods and services, from calibration and machining to catering, training and estate maintenance. The paperwork is heavier than average, but the contracts tend to be longer and the buyer relationships more durable.

Contracts ending soon

Contracts ending in the next 12 months: 193, worth £208.3m.

Total value excludes framework agreements.

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Market Intelligence

15 live defence notices in our index right now. Closed notices drop off automatically.

What public bodies buy in defence

Equipment support, spares, repair and overhaul, and calibration services.
Engineering, machining and specialist manufacturing to defence standards.
Defence estate works: infrastructure, hard and soft facilities management on bases.
Training delivery, simulation and courseware.
Research, technical consultancy and dual-use technology development.

Who bids for defence contracts

SME manufacturers, engineering firms, technical consultancies and service providers, often working as subcontractors to primes before winning direct awards. Expect requirements around Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus under DEFCON 658, security clearance for personnel, export control awareness, quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100, and acceptance of DEFCON contract conditions.

Common roles in this sector

Defence engineer
Systems engineer
Mechanical engineer
Avionics technician
Security cleared analyst
Project manager
Logistics coordinator
Quality inspector

How 123 Tenders helps

Every notice we hold can be run through a Match Score against your company profile, a Tender X-Ray that sets out what the buyer is asking for and how the response will be scored, and a Bid / No-Bid view so you can rule opportunities out quickly. When you decide to go ahead, a Bid Pack produces a first draft response for you to review and edit.

Questions about defence tenders

Do I need security clearance to bid?: Not always. Many contracts require it only for named personnel or only after award. The notice or SQ will state the minimum level.
What cyber requirements apply to MOD work?: DEFCON 658 usually requires a Cyber Risk Assessment reference and a matching Cyber Implementation Plan, with Cyber Essentials as a common baseline.

Latest defence contracts

Contract information is aggregated from public sources under the Open Government Licence and may be incomplete or out of date. Always verify details against the official published notice before bidding.

Security & DefenceSouth WestOfficial government notice