This page provides details of business opportunities available through the NATO Infrastructure Programme, the NATO agencies NC3A and NAMSA and the two strategic commands ACO and ACT.

 

What opportunities are available?

 

The NATO Security and Investment Programme (NSIP)

 

NSIP offers considerable opportunities for UK suppliers of goods and services. Typical products and services required include communications and information systems; radar systems; construction work at NATO installations such as ports, airfields and military headquarters; and a wide range of equipment to support NATO forces deployed on Crisis Response Operations such as  ISAF and KFOR.  The current 2008 value of the programme is €640m per year.

 

Each project is managed by a Host Nation, either the national authorities of one of the member nations or, increasingly, by one of the NATO agencies.

 

The default procurement method is International Competitive Bidding (ICB), governed by a NATO document: AC/4-D/2261 (1996 EDITION) (PDF, 4.35 MB)

 

Other procurement methods include National Competitive Bidding (i.e. governed by the national procurement rules of the Host Nation); the NC3A Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) and, exceptionally, sole source procurement.

 

The NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A)

 

NC3A is responsible for procuring many of the systems capabilities to support the military command and control and political consultation functions of NATO and is the Host Nation for many NSIP-funded projects. As well as using ICB procurement, the NC3A also uses a contracting procedure known as a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). This has proved a successful route to market for many UK companies, particularly in the IT hardware and IT support fields.

 

The NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA)

 

NAMSA is NATO’s principal logistics support management agency. Its main task is to assist NATO nations by organising common procurement and supply of spare parts and arranging maintenance and repair services necessary for the support of various weapon and other systems. However, in recent years NAMSA has also become increasingly involved in providing logistic support for NATO Crisis Response Operations such as ISAF and KFOR and is the Host Nation for many common funded projects.

 

Firms wishing to receive an Invitation for Bids (IFB) from NAMSA need to register with the agency to be included in their "Source File" of potential suppliers.

 

Allied Command Transformation (ACT)

 

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is one of the two NATO strategic military commands. Its standing priorities are to: transform NATO's military capabilities; prepare, support and sustain Alliance operations; implement NATO Response Force (NRF) and other deployable capabilities and assist transformation of Partner capabilities.  ACT is based in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.

 

Details of ACT purchasing requirements (which include consultancy contracts) and contract awards can be found on the budget and finance section of the ACT website.

 

Allied Command Operations (ACO)

 

Allied Command Operations (ACO) is the other of the two NATO strategic military commands. Its mission is to safeguard NATO's European territory extending from the northern tip of Norway to the eastern border of Turkey. Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is the headquarters of ACO and is located in Casteau, Belgium.

 

Details of ACO purchasing requirements (and those of ACO's subordinate military commands) can be found on the ACO website.