Tactical Communication Systems
Framework Description
Tactical Communication Systems (RM6393) is an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023 from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service). It expands on lot 1c of RM6116 Network Services 3 and covers specialised tactical communication and information systems through three lots. The first term runs from 26 June 2026 to 25 June 2029, with framework two intended from 26 June 2029 to 25 June 2032 and framework three to 25 June 2034.
Context & Use Case
Public sector buyers, including defence, security and emergency services, use RM6393 for rapidly deployable tactical communications, buying full systems or modular assemblies without being tied to lot boundaries. Every call-off is an award with competition, using either a standard competition (option A) or option B, so appointed suppliers always compete for work.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Services, including design, implementation and support Lot 2: Systems Lot 3: Components and modular assemblies Hardware and software
Lots
Lot 1: Services; Lot 2: Systems; Lot 3: Components
Who Can Apply
RM6393 reopens to new suppliers at the start of framework two, intended from 26 June 2029, and again at framework three from 26 June 2032. SMEs can compete on their strengths, such as a single component, without being shut out by prime-only lots.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can buy scalable, quickly deployable tactical communications as full systems or modules, with less confusion over which lot to use. Competition on every call-off keeps prices tested, and the open structure brings new technology in at each reopening. Modular buying lets buyers upgrade parts of a system over time.
Next Steps
Suppliers not appointed should prepare for the reopening ahead of 26 June 2029; watch the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6393) and Find a Tender. Decide which lot fits your product and gather deployment evidence and security credentials. Appointed suppliers should prepare for option A and option B competitions.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps tactical communications suppliers prepare for the 2029 reopening of RM6393. Our open framework reopening support picks the right lot, writes the responses and checks compliance, so SMEs with one strong product can compete.
For appointed suppliers, our defence communications bid writers build win themes and competitor scoring for every competition. Our bid/no-bid tools for defence tenders help you choose where to bid. Security credentials and deployment evidence are gathered early.
