Supply chain

AWE and our supply chain

AWE is transforming as a business to ensure that we can sustain our mission for the long-term, while continuing to deliver at pace to support national security. We know that we cannot do this alone, so we are focussing significant effort on developing how we engage and partner with our supply chain.

Looking at the challenges ahead, this also means expanding that base, looking to work with new partners who can bring innovation, fresh-thinking and ideas to what we do, and preparing to invest where appropriate. We have a wide ranging programme with activity across a number of sectors, including (but not limited to) Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Research and Development.

Our aim is to build a culture of collaboration, sustainability, agility, and continuous innovation, whilst also striving to create a resilient and diverse supplier base to support our ambitious programme. Our hope is that this will enable our suppliers to succeed, creating better ways of working, driving innovation, and playing a key role in helping AWE to deliver our mission.

Business opportunities

We want to work in a collaborative way with our partners and, since our transition to becoming a Non-Departmental Public Body wholly owned by the Ministry of Defence in 2021 acquire our goods, services and works based on full option appraisal and value for money.

AWE’s procurement practices align with all relevant UK and international regulations, however, the specialised nature of certain of AWE’s procurement activities, and the requirement to minimise the risk to national security of any publication contrary to the UK’s essential security interests, mean that it is necessary for us to rely on the relevant security related exemptions to those regulations from time to time. Where those security constraints allow, we publish and award our contracts in line with the relevant public procurement regulations and best practice guidance.