Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation (NVFi)
Framework Description
The Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation (NVFi) is a Ministry of Defence framework developed by Commercial X, the MOD's commercial reform programme for digital and innovation buying. Constellia Public Limited is the single neutral vendor, sourcing innovative technology from third-party providers across fourteen science and technology areas. Awarded in 2024, it was let for an initial two years with an option to extend by up to two more, and has an estimated value of £400 million.
Context & Use Case
The MOD, national security bodies and other public sector organisations with an approved access agreement can buy through it. Buyers place call-offs with Constellia, by direct award where possible, and Constellia sources the technology from its supplier marketplace while staying neutral. It suits needs where government wants new technology quickly, including from start-ups and SMEs that do not usually bid for defence contracts.
Scope of Services
AI and analytics, future computing and quantum technologies Cyber security and identity technologies Commercial space, drones, platforms and robotics Sensors, novel materials and power sources Audio and visual processing, behavioural analysis and IoT Biological, medical and financial technologies Novel data transport and future telecoms Related consultancy, engineering, R&D and systems integration
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits technology firms, start-ups and SMEs with innovative products in the fourteen technology areas. Suppliers do not join the framework itself; they join Constellia's NVFi marketplace, which onboards suppliers continuously and free of charge. Suppliers must be GDPR compliant and hold Cyber Essentials before onboarding.
Buyer Benefits
One neutral vendor gives buyers access to a broad technology supplier base, with sourcing and supplier management handled for them, so new capability reaches users faster than through individual procurements. It also opens defence and government spending to innovative smaller firms beyond the usual defence primes.
Next Steps
Contact Constellia's NVFi team (nvfi-support@constellia.com) to start onboarding: submit your supplier information, sign and return the supplier agreement, and choose your technology categories. Put Cyber Essentials in place first if you do not have it. Then prepare a short capability statement showing defence or national security relevance, ready for the opportunities Constellia brings to its marketplace.
How Athena Can Help
Defence innovation buyers want to see relevance quickly. Athena's supplier onboarding support helps you prepare a clear capability statement and the compliance documents Constellia's marketplace asks for, so you are ready to be considered.
When requirements come through, our bid management specialists write short, persuasive responses, check them for compliance and price them to win, and our advice on MOD bids helps you decide which defence and government requirements suit your technology.
