Scope
Description
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.
Contract 1. ACTS Early Works and Risk Reduction
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,910,000 excluding VAT
- £5,892,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
23 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 February 2026 to 1 July 2026
- 4 months, 7 days
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Additional packages of work above the core elements of the contract will be taken up at the discretion of the Authority
CPV classifications
- 72262000 - Software development services
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Defence and security
Direct award justification
Defence and security - necessary to enhance or maintain operational capability, effectiveness, readiness for action, safety or security of the armed forces
The Direct Award justification for the EWRR is based on Paragraph 20 of Schedule 5 (Direct Award) of the Procurement Act 2023. Paragraph 20 states that the Authority may place a Direct Award if: (a) the contract is a defence authority contract, (b) the contract is not a defence and security contract only by virtue of section 7(1)(g) (or, in the case of a framework, section 7(1)(g) and (2)), and (c) it is necessary for the contract to be awarded directly in order to enhance or maintain the operational capability, effectiveness, readiness for action, safety or security of the armed forces.
Land Forces are now at the forefront of the SDR’s direction to warfight at scale with NATO. NATO’s highest near-term priority is the delivery of a fully enabled Strategic Reserve Corps.
The Early Works and Risk Reduction (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.
Supplier
Raytheon Systems limited
- Companies House: 00406809
Kao One, Kao Park
Harlow
CM17 9NA
United Kingdom
Region: UKH35 - West Essex
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. ACTS Early Works and Risk Reduction
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
Army Headquarters, Marlborough Lines,
Andover
SP11 8HJ
United Kingdom
Email: Army-Progs-ACTS-Commercial@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government