PA Consulting and CGI drive future Tactical Comms for MoD
The NEO team of experts will be supported by military personnel and acquisition specialists. They will engage with system and technology providers, small medium enterprises (SME’s), academia and the wider UK industry to explore innovative approaches for ‘best of breed’ design solutions to the next major evolution of capability for Tactical Communications and Information Systems (TacCIS).
PA is the prime contractor for the NEO Team, which also includes QinetiQ, Roke Manor Research and CGI. This group brings together world-leading expertise in military and commercial communications and information systems, together with the business insight to develop optimal commercial models to support the programme.
This £11 million contract covers technology assessment and system architecture design to support the incorporation of innovative technologies throughout the MORPHEUS programme’s life. It will also provide advice on the best business and commercial arrangements to facilitate innovation and ensure value for money for the MoD. A significant aspect of the programme covers engagement with industry and academia to capture ideas and maximise opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises and suppliers, who are not traditionally associated with the defence sector.
CGI is part of the NEO team and is responsible for leading the assessment of technologies, which will enable the secure information and application services to be delivered across the new Tactical Communications Network solution. This is needed due to the increasing demand for information across all areas of the Digital Battlespace.
The research will support the Battlefield and Tactical Communications and Information Systems (BATCIS) Delivery Team as part of the MORPHEUS programme which is looking to address obsolescence challenges in radio and communications equipment used by front line forces.
The architecture options assessment work will support a Main Gate investment decision to determine whether UK Defence will seek to sustain, evolve or replace the current BOWMAN system. A Combined Operational Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal (COEIA) will be employed in order to assess the merits of each option and support the Main Gate decision.
Andrew Creber, defence expert at PA Consulting Group, said: “All the members of the NEO Team are excited about the opportunity to work with the MoD on this key programme. Being impartial and having highly complementary skills, we are committed to identifying technical architectures and commercial business models that will ensure the effective exploitation of innovative technologies throughout the life of the programme.”
Brigadier Richard Spencer, Director of the MoD’s Battlefield and Tactical Communications and Information Systems (BATCIS) Delivery Team said: “Awarding this contract allows Defence the opportunity to really understand the options available to future proof the vital tactical communications capability used by our soldiers, sailors and airmen on operations and here in the UK. We will have a detailed understanding of current, near-horizon and emerging information and communications technology and importantly an opportunity to engage with industry to deliver the best kit possible for our troops in the future. It is this quest that drives us and we are excited to embark on this journey with NEO.”
Steve Smart, UK Vice President of Space, Defence, National and Cyber Security at CGI, added: “We are delighted to be part of this important programme for the Ministry of Defence, which will identify the best communications technologies and information services needed to support our armed forces. Across CGI we work with a wide range of government and commercial sector clients and we seek to bring this experience and innovation into the military environment”.
The MORPHEUS Programme, which is currently in its assessment phase, is part of the wider Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) Capability Change Programme that will deliver improved tactical communications and information systems in the Land Environment.
As part of this engagement, PA has launched a NEO Team website at www.morpheusneo.com where interested parties may register their interest in being involved in the MORPHEUS programme.
