QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. Our purpose is protecting lives by serving the national security interests of our customers. We employ more than 8,500 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required.

Doing Business with Defence

Suppliers who are looking to join QinetiQ’s supply chain and thus join the defence sector must prepare themselves to ensure that they comply with Government and Industry entry requirements. We will work with suppliers to make the process as seamless as possible.

Suppliers should consider the below requirements for contracting with UK primes:

  • JOSCAR membership (for more information please visit our guide)
  • Net Zero Strategy
  • Social Value Targets/Processes
  • Cyber Essentials certification
  • Necessary ISO certificates
  • Defence Conditions (DEFCON) compliance

SME Champions

Our SME Champions are made up of a team of individuals who have a passion for working with SMEs, they have industry expertise and are vocal advocates for maximising our relationships with SMEs.

Our SME Champions primary role is to enhance QinetiQ’s work with SMEs and increase collaboration between QinetiQ and contracted SMEs. The Champions will also share good working practices and work to eliminate barriers to onboarding more SMEs.

At QinetiQ we believe that by championing SMEs we create a more innovative defence industry, they help to ensure that defence capabilities are supported by a diverse and resilient supply chain.

In 2019, the UK became the first country in the world to set a legal target to be net zero by 2050. Since then, hundreds of companies, many of them in the technology sector, have made public commitments to be carbon neutral, adopt a science-based target, or even be carbon negative. More recently, the UK Government has outlined its expectation that suppliers adopt a science-based climate target, and that climate action will help companies to secure contracts through its Social Value Framework and Carbon Reduction Plans.

To make it easier for SMEs and microbusinesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 or sooner, useful resources can be found here:

The UK GOV website brings together all government departments, agencies and public bodies to provide information, news and communications on all government services.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The guidance explains how SMEs can measure and report their GHG emissions as well as set targets to reduce them.

Small business user guide: Guidance on how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions - GOV.UK


Useful links for working with Ministry of Defence

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ISO 44001 Certificate
ISO 44001 is the international standard for collaborative business relationships. By using its key principles and best practices, it will help us establish partnerships by providing a common platform to underpin sustainable business relationships. Working with other organisations can only prove to optimise our joint resources and achieve better results together.