The Defence AI Model Arena is opening a new competition for suppliers developing computer vision (CV) capability relevant to UK Defence; this use case is sponsored by the Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce (Taskforce RAID). We are looking for suppliers who can demonstrate strong model performance against a military object detection use case and who are interested in working collaboratively with Defence to improve that capability using representative data and feedback from live exercise activity. The competition will use the Model Arena’s “demonstration by doing” approach: suppliers will be assessed on how their models actually perform against the use case, rather than on written proposals alone. The use case is to develop and deploy the CV – based components for autonomous drones in the land domain, operating within an AI enabled drone swarming system. This phase is focused on establishing an effective baseline for experimentation and iterative deployment. The intention is to evolve this capability and implement other sensing-specific AI domains and multiple layers of decision-making behaviour; any potential successful supplier would be a core component of an industry co-creation ecosystem. Why take part: - The Model Arena gives suppliers an opportunity to demonstrate capability directly against a real Defence requirement and receive evidence-based feedback on model performance. - For suppliers progressing to Stage 2, it also provides an opportunity to work much more closely with the Defence user community, understand the operational problem in greater depth and develop capability using increasingly representative data. - For successful suppliers selected for Stage 3, it provides the ability to rapidly develop models and demonstrate suitability for continued co-creation. - The intent is to create a level playing field for suppliers while helping Defence identify the strongest technical solutions and teams for continued development. We will hold a supplier drop-in session on: Wed 9 Sep 2026 at 13:00. Sign Up: DAIC Model Arena AI Enabled Swarming - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5QJeL8KOb3JCg77bbCuH5XFURDg2Q0NNTlk0SEkwOTBPNkdCS0hFT0YyWi4u&route=shorturl The session will provide more detail on: 1. The use case. 2. Stage 1 dataset and evaluation approach. 3. Technical submission requirements. 4. The Stage 2 co-creation activity. 5. Commercial; and 6. Supplier questions. Suppliers considering entering the competition are strongly encouraged to attend. Please note the session will be recorded and made available on request. Indicative Key Dates: - 9 September 2026 - Supplier drop-in session - 16 September - Stage 1 begins (Suppliers MUST be registered on both the Model Arena and Commercial X dynamic Market – details on how to register are contained within this notice) - 11 October - Stage 1 Concludes - 14 October - Stage 2 begins - 30 October - Stage 2 concludes. Evaluations Begin. - Early 2027 - Stage 3
Deadline
Not published
Published
3 Sept 2026(5 hours ago)
Contract value
£2.5m
Location
United Kingdom
Reference
ocds-h6vhtk-06f0e7
First seen
2 hours ago
Classifications
72231000Development of software for military applications72000000IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
South Tyneside is a vibrant coastal borough in the North East of England, with a strong commitment to supporting residents to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. The Council works in close partnership with health, voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver person-centred care that reflects the diverse needs of local people, particularly older residents and those with complex needs. There is a well-established focus on strengths-based practice, early intervention and reducing inequalities, underpinned by integrated working with NHS partners and a shared ambition to improve outcomes across the system. Service Providers play a key role in shaping future provision, contributing to a sustainable local care market that supports people to remain in their own homes and communities wherever possible. The Council currently operates three HTLAH Zones in the borough, at contract inception there were four Providers, offering marketplace flexibility, whilst ensuring the needs of residents could be met. The aim of the HTLAH service is to supports adults aged 18 and over to maximise their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life by providing flexible, outcome-focused support that enables them to remain living safely in their own homes and communities, while preventing, reducing, or delaying the need for more intensive health and social care services. Often these are older people with for example dementia or frailty needs but may include people of all ages with physical disabilities and mental health needs. In the initial contracts, this approach included Extra Care provision, it has now been agreed that this activity will be funded separately. Therefore, this leaves two types of support to be provided via future HTLAH provision within the borough, these include: Home Independence Support Service (HISS) This is the long-term home care element of the contract for people who need ongoing support to remain living independently at home. Typical services include Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting, Medication support, assistance with meals and nutrition), Support with mobility and transfer and social inclusion and community access. Support is also available for people with dementia, physical disabilities, and long-term conditions. Night-time support is provided where required. Home Independence and Crisis Support Service (HICSS) This is the short-term, reablement and hospital discharge element of the contract. Services include, Hospital-to-home support, Admission avoidance, Intermediate care, Short-term reablement, Active recovery following illness or injury, Crisis response, Community alarm response, and support to regain daily living skills and reduce long-term care needs. Please note the Council has determined that suppliers currently delivering the Help to Live at Home contracts for Help to Live at Home Zones 2 and 3 are not eligible to participate in this procurement.
This opportunity is published to advertise a preliminary market engagement exercise being conducted by National Gas Transmission PLC ("NGT"). NGT is seeking feedback from the market to support and refine its approach to a forthcoming procurement process in respect of the RIIO-GT3 Control System Replacement Main Works Contractor (MWC) Framework. Who are NGT NGT play a vital role in delivering gas to millions of people across Great Britain. NGT owns, manages, and operates the National Transmission System ("NTS") in Great Britain, making gas available when and where it's needed. NGT ensure that the network is safe, reliable and available, and that it delivers value for our customers and stakeholders, while minimising impact on the environment. What is the Control System Replacement Programme The overarching scope of each project in the programme is the complete replacement and upgrading of the compressor station's control systems to enhance cyber resilience. This involves modernising legacy infrastructure, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and ensuring that the control systems are capable of withstanding evolving digital threats. The upgrades are intended to safeguard operational integrity, protect critical assets, and align with national and international standards for cyber-secure infrastructure. RIIO-GT3 Control System Replacement MWC Framework NGT has now transitioned from the RIIO-GT2 regulatory period into RIIO-GT3, which runs from April 2026 to March 2031. As part of this new regulatory period, NGT is implementing a new delivery model for the remaining projects within the Control System Replacement Programme. Under this model, a FEED Partner will be appointed to undertake the FEED study for each project. Upon completion of the FEED phase, NGT will appoint a Main Works Contractor (MWC) to deliver the detailed design, manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning of the relevant station control system works. To support the efficient delivery of the programme, NGT intends to establish a framework agreement through which a number of Main Works Contractors will be appointed and subsequently engaged to deliver projects across the programme. How to express an interest Interested parties are to express an interest by completing and returning the response template. Please request the response template by emailing [email protected] and [email protected].
Affinity Water has a requirement for the provision of a specialist provider to deliver integrated pest management, wildlife management, environmental monitoring and estate protection services across its estate. The scope is expected to include (but not limited too): Environmental and Site Monitoring • Planned inspections of lakes, reservoirs, biodiversity sites and public access routes. • Habitat, vegetation and environmental condition monitoring. • Identification and reporting of environmental, ecological and public safety risks. Pest and Wildlife Management • Management and treatment of rodents, rabbits, foxes, wasps, hornets and other relevant pests. • Protected species surveys, monitoring, licensing support and habitat assessments. • Specialist advice and emergency response for wildlife-related incidents. Reservoir and Asset Protection • Investigation and monitoring of burrowing animals and wildlife-related structural damage. • Identification of wildlife-related water quality and operational risks. • Prevention and mitigation of wildlife access to operational assets. Estate Security and Site Protection • Trespass and boundary investigations. • Deployment of covert and cellular monitoring equipment and evidence gathering. • Liaison with Rural Police, tenants and lessees where required. Incident Response • Emergency attendance for pest, wildlife, environmental and public safety incidents. • Investigation, corrective recommendations and incident reporting. Social / Environmental Value • Responsible reuse of suitable pest control by-products, including existing arrangements for use as animal feed by zoos and farms, where legally and operationally appropriate. Reporting • Monthly performance, inspection and incident reporting. • Risk registers, photographic evidence and location references. • Findings, recommendations and compliance advice.