UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement

This is a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (UK2) issued to inform the market of early engagement activities in a Request for Information (RFI). Participation in this exercise: • Is voluntary • Will not be formally evaluated • Will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement The Defence Recycling and Disposal Team would like to understand the industry options available for the Collection, Storage, Sale, Disposal and Recycling of Scrap Metal Assets and Batteries, including non-hazardous Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and redundant assets. The figures provided in the Request for Information provide an indication of throughput under the current contract and are intended to support suppliers in understanding the scale, consistency, and potential of the requirement. They are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute a commitment or guarantee of future volumes or demand. Based on a typical 12-month period, approximate activity levels are: • Total number of taskings: 2273 These volumes demonstrate a steady and sustained level of operational activity, providing a strong and reliable baseline for service delivery. The Authority anticipates an ongoing requirement of this nature and is seeking to establish a collaborative, long-term relationship with a supplier capable of supporting evolving operational needs. The contract offers opportunities for suppliers to add value through efficient delivery models, innovation, and continuous improvement, particularly in response to fluctuating demand and operational priorities. Suppliers are encouraged to propose flexible and scalable solutions that enhance resilience, optimise performance, and support future growth in the requirement. The Authority requires a Contractor (s) to provide a compliant, safe, and efficient service for the Collection, Storage, Sale, Disposal and Recycling of Scrap Metal Assets and Batteries, including non-hazardous Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and redundant assets arising from: • Military establishments (bases, depots, airfields, shipyards) • Government civilian establishments (offices) The service shall ensure full legal compliance, environmental protection, and minimal disruption to operational activities. The Authority is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to: Through this RFI, the Authority is seeking to understand how the market can support a compliant, resilient and value-for-money service for the collection, storage, sale, disposal and recycling of MOD scrap metal assets, batteries, non-hazardous WEEE and other redundant assets. In addition to confirming current market capability and capacity, the Authority is interested in how suppliers can support improved traceability, environmental outcomes, circular economy principles, UK-based recovery or processing capacity, and the potential retention or better utilisation of strategic materials. The information gathered will help inform the Authority’s future procurement strategy, commercial model and performance framework. This RFI aims to achieve the following outcomes: • Understand market capability and capacity • Identify compliant and innovative waste management solutions • Gather input on commercial models and delivery approaches • Inform a potential future procurement strategy Suppliers interested in participating in this RFI should: 1. Register via: https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61276 2. Access the RFI documentation 3. Submit responses by: 16:00 on 7th August 2026. Clarification Questions by 16:00hrs on 24th July 2026 to DESOD-DRDTContractRelet@mod.gov.uk The Authority intends to hold a supplier engagement event / open forum via teams following the RFI phase. • This event will be open to all interested suppliers, including those who did not respond to the RFI • Details will be communicated via email and/or future notice The Authority may share anonymised findings from the RFI to support transparency and equal access to information. Suppliers should clearly identify any commercially sensitive information in their responses. The Authority reserves the right to: • Amend or discontinue this engagement • Use information gathered to inform any future procurement • This notice is not a call for competition.