ASTRID (Analysis for Science and Technology Research in Defence)
Framework Description
ASTRID (Analysis for Science and Technology Research in Defence) is a framework managed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) for research and analysis supporting UK defence, security, safety and resilience, with a particular focus on modelling and simulation. It is delivered through a single prime contractor, BAE Systems Corda, has a maximum ceiling of £350 million and runs until 8 April 2027. Dstl identifies it as a successor route for certain tasks that previously used SERAPIS. This framework is used by Dstl and MOD.
Context & Use Case
Any UK government department, including MOD frontline commands, can use ASTRID for analysis that supports senior decision makers, capability planning, organisational analysis, model development and horizon scanning. Work is sourced in several ways: targeted selection of a supplier, multidisciplinary teams, or innovation calls that explore ideas. Technical experts help shape each requirement and assure the quality of outputs.
Scope of Services
Analytical research in defence and security Modelling and simulation studies Safety and resilience research Technology analysis and feasibility studies Specialist evidence support
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
ASTRID has a single prime contractor, so other organisations do not join the framework itself. Research organisations, academic teams, SMEs and analytical specialists, particularly in modelling, simulation, wargaming and data science, take part through the prime's supply chain. The current framework ends on 8 April 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Departments can place analysis tasks quickly without a separate procurement, with the prime assembling the right supplier or multidisciplinary team for each question. Technical experts shape requirements and assure outputs, and innovation calls let buyers explore new ideas before committing to a full study.
Next Steps
Contact the prime, BAE Systems Corda, using the ASTRID details on Dstl's science and technology frameworks page (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dstl-science-and-technology-procurement-frameworks), and look for ASTRID opportunities on the Defence Sourcing Portal. Prepare evidence of defence analysis outputs, modelling and simulation expertise and security clearances. With ASTRID ending on 8 April 2027, also watch the same page for its successor.
How Athena Can Help
ASTRID work runs through its prime, BAE Systems Corda, so a clear capability offer comes first. Athena's technical proposal writing turns modelling, simulation and analysis expertise into evidenced responses for the tasks you are invited to support, with win themes built around the customer's decision.
As ASTRID ends in April 2027, our defence framework pipeline planning identifies Dstl routes that are open or due, including R-Cloud, and prepares your evidence. Our defence bid/no-bid advice helps you decide which Defence Sourcing Portal opportunities are worth pursuing.
