DPRTE 2019: Innovative SMEs encouraged to work with the MOD

Over 1500 visitors made their way to Farnborough to attend Defence Procurement Research Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2019.

As the event is officially partnered with the Ministry of Defence, suppliers had an outstanding opportunity to engage within a marketplace valued at over £20 billion annually.

The range of interactive and educational features included many zones where delegates could enhance their knowledge of defence procurement.

Many defence organisations were in attendance including, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) as well as international organisations such as the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Innovation in Defence

While speaking in the Keynote Arena, Jim Carter, Commercial Director of Supply Chain at the MOD, noted that innovation is high on MOD customers’ agenda. On behalf of the MOD, he said:

“we need to find a way as a commercial organisation to engage with a wide range of SMEs and bring them into our supply chain.”

Innovation was a key theme that ran throughout the event. Simon Burges, Chief Executive Officer at BiP Solutions, the organisers behind this event, has said that:

“DPRTE plays a vital role in supporting collaboration and innovation across a hugely diverse set of requirements, within areas such as technology, equipment, support and infrastructure.”

SME supply chain opportunities

Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Dr Lucy Mason also presented in the Keynote Arena, showcasing innovation success that the organisation has achieved with suppliers.

As well as encouraging SMEs to approach DASA if they have innovative ideas, she also noted that:

“Government these days wants to work with SMEs and incorporate them into supply chains and understand more about how it can diversify the range of suppliers that get involved.

That means helping big businesses to encourage SMEs to work as part of the supply chain too and look at our own targets in terms of working with SMEs”

Getting SMEs into defence procurement

Are you part of a SME business that wants to win work with the Ministry of Defence?

Our portal advertises tender and contracts opportunities valued over £10K. Gain access to the official source of MOD contracts by registering for free with Defence Contracts Online.