The Synthetic Environment & Training (SET) team within the National Armaments directorate has a requirement for the Joint Command and Staff Training (JCAST) programme for a simulation and training capability that will provide a technical service with support to deliver Tier two, three and potentially four level exercises. JCAST is required to support combined joint task force exercises that prepare joint task force headquarters for operations.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The Synthetic Environment & Training Team in the National Armaments Director Group, part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to award a contract to MASS Consultants Limited (MASS) for supply of Future Joint Command and Staff Trainer (FJCAST) training. The contract will be for 9 months and have an estimated value of £11,232,000.00 (inc VAT). It is considered that this contract can be awarded under section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 20 of Schedule 5 (Defence and security) applies. This is because the future provision of FJCAST is the subject of a current procurement (advertised under UK contract notice 4 dated 06/03/2025, ID 2025 000-0082760). MASS is the incumbent supplier and a short contract extension is required to facilitate completion of the procurement process and transition to the new provider/contract. FJCAST provides collective training support exercises within the UK and overseas for commanders and staff in preparation for operations across MoD, Whitehall and Joint Expeditionary Force nations. It is a critical capability to maintain the continuous operational capability, effectiveness and readiness for action of the UK Armed Forces. Any interruption or gap in this provision would introduce an immediate, unmanageable and therefore unacceptable risk to frontline operations.

Defence security