Serapis framework
Updated 12 July 2024
The Serapis framework enables Dstl, MOD and the frontline commands to quickly and efficiently place contracts for scientific and technical research and development.
Serapis focuses on developing and bringing into operation new and battle-winning capabilities in:
- C4ISR (command, control, computers, communication, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance)
- space systems
- synthetic environments
- simulation technology to support human capability development
The framework is divided into 6 lots, each led by a separate prime (main contractor):
- Lot 1: Collect
- Lot 2: Space
- Lot 3: Decide
- Lot 4: Assured information infrastructure
- Lot 5: Simulation and synthetic environments
- Lot 6: Understand
Key features of the Serapis framework
This framework is particularly aimed at enabling Dstl to gain access to the most diverse expertise and talent available, especially suppliers who have not traditionally worked in defence, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academia.
The Serapis framework ends in July 2025.
Suppliers: how to work with us through the Serapis framework
If you are a supplier interested in carrying out work for Dstl, MOD and the frontline commands, through any of the Serapis framework lots, please contact the lot leads directly.
You may also want to look for Serapis opportunities on the Defence Sourcing Portal.
Guidance on how to sell to or work with Dstl.
Customers: using the Serapis framework to deliver your S&T requirements
Please email Dstl commercial services at [email protected] and we will confirm whether the requirement is ‘in scope’. If so we will provide you with a Serapis task number and other information you will need to task the prime contractor/lot lead.
Costs will include effort required for technical work, support from the programme management office to support the shaping of your requirement, identifying the team to carry out the work, and management and technical oversight.
Lot 1: Collect
Prime contractor: Roke Manor
Covers:
- development and integration of new ISTAR ‘Collect’ technology and techniques
- broad range of conventional and novel sensing technology (including gravity and biometric sensing)
- Open Source (OSINT) and HUMINT data and information collection capabilities
Contact: [email protected]
Lot 2: Space
Prime contractor: BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
Covers all aspects of defence and security space systems including:
- underpinning enabling services such as space-specific analysis
- fundamental and applied space research
- design and manufacture of space equipment and subsystems
- space launch and range
- through-life operation of satellites including ground stations
- terrestrial-based space systems like those used for surveillance of space
- application of space systems for defence and security benefit and exploitation
Contact: [email protected]
Lot 3: Decide
Prime contractor: QinetiQ
Covers:
- development, testing, and evaluation of novel command and control (C2) systems to improve decision making, including the human and autonomous (machine) system elements
- development of novel agile, adaptive and resilient C2 concepts for operation in constrained, degraded, or denied environments
Contact: [email protected]
Lot 4: Assured information infrastructure
Prime contractor: QinetiQ
Covers the development of C4ISR communications and networks including:
- exploiting and driving emerging concepts and technology in military and civilian communications infrastructure
- development of policy, technology and architectural options for the provision of assured information
- information management and exploitation
Contact: [email protected]
Lot 5: Simulation and synthetic environments
Prime contractor: NSC
Covers:
- development of synthetic environments, modelling and simulation
- associated tools and assessment processes to allow defence to train, exercise and prepare for operation and to test, evaluate and assess the performance of military capabilities and the C4ISR enterprise
- enhance and sustain capability to exploit of SSEs across all defence applications
Contact: [email protected]
Lot 6: Understand
Prime contractor: Frazer-Nash
Covers the development of data analytics and information processing tools and techniques in support of defence’s decision-making processes and techniques (covered in Lot 3), including the development and application of:
- autonomy
- artificial intelligence
- machine learning
- information and visualisation
- human-machine interface development
Contact: [email protected]
Framework management
Dstl, as MOD category manager for science and technology (S&T), manages the Serapis Framework Agreement. The Dstl Framework Commercial Team can be contacted at [email protected]