SKYNET Future Acquisition Strategy RFI

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) SATCOM team is considering potential options for future SKYNET systems/services integration, service delivery and other selected core SKYNET competencies in the 2025+ timeframe. As part of this, the MOD is investigating the use of alternative commercial constructs, including a 'SKYNET Integration Partnership' (SKIP), and would benefit from early industry feedback to help guide concept development.

The latest version of the SKYNET 'Future Acquisition Strategy' is being developed to set out the principles, methods, technologies and constructs needed to meet the SKYNET programme's objectives in the medium (5-10 years) and long (10+ years) term: beyond SDW horizons. This Strategy is exploring ways to ensure the MOD continues to develop as an intelligent owner/customer of SKYNET systems and services, whilst maintaining effective control of the SKYNET enterprise and ecosystem and continuing to effectively deliver the necessary outputs to end users of SKYNET services.

It is also seeking to align the SKYNET programme's acquisition strategy with Defence's digital strategic principles. One of the challenges identified by the future Acquisition Strategy is how to best resource and deliver the following capabilities over the long term (i.e. beyond what is currently within the scope of the SDW and EC procurements in the medium term) which are needed to enable the successful delivery of SKYNET outputs in the future: - SKYNET systems and services integration; - SKYNET systems/services procurement management; - SKYNET Governance and P3M support; - SKYNET innovation and strategic insight - Future SKYNET service delivery (following the completion of the SDW contract).

A concept which is being considered to potentially address these business needs is that of a 'SKYNET Integration Partnership' (SKIP). The SKIP is envisaged to be a collaborative working arrangement between the MOD SATCOM team and an industry partner (or partners) selected through competition.

The complete RFI can be viewed via our Defence Share Site @ http://defenceshare.mod.uk/index.cfm. If you require a soft copy please email ISSDel-Net-SatcomSKEC-IE-Grp@mod.gov.uk.