The Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) has launched a new £500 million Drone and Drone Services Framework, creating opportunities for manufacturers, distributors and specialist operators supplying unmanned aerial vehicles and related services to the public sector.
The framework covers two areas: the supply of drones, equipment and associated products, and the delivery of operational services such as surveying, inspection, mapping, surveillance and data analysis. Both lots are identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with up to 100 suppliers able to secure framework places.
The tender deadline is 11 November 2026 at 2pm, giving businesses an opportunity to compete for appointment to the four-year agreement.
YPO Drone and Drone Services Framework: key details
YPO is establishing the framework to provide eligible public sector organisations with a route to purchase commercial drone technology and specialist operational services.
The main procurement details are:
- Contracting authority: Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation
- Framework reference: 001356
- Estimated value: £500 million excluding VAT (£600 million including VAT)
- Framework period: 1 March 2027 to 28 February 2031
- Number of lots: Two
- Maximum framework suppliers: 100
- Procurement procedure: Open
- Enquiry deadline: 30 October 2026 at 2pm
- Tender deadline: 11 November 2026 at 2pm
- Estimated award decision: 15 February 2027
The framework will be available to eligible public sector organisations purchasing through YPO, with individual contracts awarded according to the requirements of each customer. The estimated value covers the framework as a whole and does not represent guaranteed expenditure or an individual lot allocation. Suppliers can review the official YPO Drone and Drone Services tender notice for the published procurement details.
What are the two framework lots?
The framework separates equipment supply from the provision of operational drone services, although associated products and support activities may feature within both categories.
Lot | Category | Main opportunities |
|---|---|---|
1 | Supply of Drones with Associated Products and Services | Drones, accessories, maintenance, software, hardware, technical training and managed services |
2 | Drone Services | Surveying, inspection, surveillance, mapping, data collection, operator training and specialist operations |
This distinction allows businesses to focus on the services they are equipped to deliver.
Lot 1: Supply of Drones with Associated Products and Services
Lot 1 covers the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles and the equipment required to operate, maintain and support them. The scope includes aircraft designed to operate autonomously or through remote piloting, covering the Open, Specific and Certified operational categories. Products and associated services include drone accessories, maintenance and servicing, specialist hardware, software and technical training.
The lot also covers:
- Drone design and manufacture.
- Ground control stations and data management solutions.
- Docking stations, charging systems and safety equipment.
- Drones supplied through managed service arrangements.
- Remotely operated ground and underwater vehicles.
This creates opportunities for manufacturers, established distributors, technology integrators and businesses offering specialist support.
Suppliers should consider how they will demonstrate product suitability, reliable equipment supply, technical expertise and appropriate after-sales support. For businesses providing integrated solutions, the ability to combine equipment, software, maintenance and training may be particularly relevant.
Lot 2: Drone Services
Lot 2 is aimed at organisations delivering operational activities using drones and related technology. The scope includes surveying, surveillance, inspection, mapping, data collection and analysis, alongside a range of other specialist applications. These may include firefighting, spraying, transportation, operator training and advice relating to drone operations.
The framework also includes droneport infrastructure design and operation. This creates opportunities for specialist businesses offering services in areas such as infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, aerial surveying and technical data collection. For example, a surveying company may use drones to collect information about land, buildings or infrastructure. An engineering consultancy could provide inspection services for difficult-to-access structures, while a specialist operator might undertake mapping or monitoring work.
The broad scope means suppliers should review the detailed specifications carefully to establish which activities match their professional capabilities.
Who can apply for the YPO drone framework?
Both lots are identified as particularly suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). This is encouraging for smaller specialist operators and technology businesses seeking access to public sector customers.
The framework permits up to 100 supplier appointments, although businesses must satisfy the relevant participation requirements and achieve the necessary evaluation scores. The detailed legal, financial and technical conditions are contained in the tender documents.
- For Lot 1, suppliers should consider how they will demonstrate their ability to provide suitable equipment, associated support and reliable fulfilment.
- For Lot 2, relevant operational experience, professional competence and the ability to deliver the specified services will be particularly important.
Businesses offering both equipment and operational services should review the requirements for each lot separately before deciding whether to apply for both.
Drone regulations and operational competence
Drone operations are subject to aviation safety requirements, making regulatory competence an important consideration for businesses offering operational services. In the UK, drone activities are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with operating requirements depending on factors such as the aircraft, location and nature of the operation. The framework's equipment lot specifically references drones operating within the Open, Specific and Certified categories. Businesses should understand which requirements apply to their proposed products or services and ensure they can provide the relevant supporting evidence.
For drone service providers, this may involve demonstrating appropriate operational procedures, pilot competency, authorisations and risk management arrangements. Relevant technical documentation, maintenance records and safety procedures may also help support a supplier's wider capability evidence. These are sensible preparation considerations rather than confirmed individual evaluation questions. Applicants should follow the actual requirements contained in the YPO tender documentation.
The CAA's guidance on flying drones provides further information about the applicable regulatory framework.
How will drone suppliers be evaluated?
The procurement uses three main evaluation categories:
- Quality, including delivery and customer service: 45%
- Cost: 35%
- Social value and sustainability: 20%
The combined non-price weighting of 65% makes it important for suppliers to demonstrate how their products or services will meet customer requirements effectively. For equipment suppliers, the quality assessment may be an opportunity to demonstrate product reliability, technical support, servicing arrangements and the ability to provide suitable equipment for different applications. Drone service providers should consider how to present their operational experience, safety management, reporting processes and approach to delivering accurate, useful results.
The social value and sustainability weighting is also notable. Businesses should develop relevant commitments that can be delivered and measured, considering the environmental and social implications of their activities. The detailed tender questions will determine precisely how these areas are assessed, so responses should be based on the published scoring methodology rather than generic statements.
Thornton & Lowe's bid writing services can help technology suppliers and specialist operators develop structured responses that demonstrate their technical capabilities and address quality and social value requirements.
How will contracts be awarded through the framework?
YPO's framework provides two routes for awarding individual contracts.
- Award Without Competition allows eligible customers to appoint suppliers without conducting a new competitive selection process, where the requirements and framework rules permit.
- Competitive Selection Process allows customers to compare relevant framework suppliers against their specific purchasing requirements.
This flexibility means different public sector customers may use the framework in different ways, depending on the equipment or services required.
Appointment to the framework does not guarantee a particular volume or value of work. Suppliers should therefore consider how they will remain competitive when responding to customer enquiries and opportunities throughout the framework period. The agreement also includes a 2% retrospective rebate on contractual expenditure, payable by providers. Businesses should take this into account when reviewing the commercial terms and pricing requirements.
Preparing a competitive drone framework submission
The most effective approach will depend on whether a business is supplying equipment, delivering operational services or pursuing both lots.
Demonstrate relevant technical experience
Select project examples that demonstrate the capabilities required by the chosen lot. An equipment supplier might highlight the successful provision of drone systems, associated software, training or maintenance support. A drone services business could demonstrate experience delivering aerial surveys, inspections or mapping projects, including the resulting data or reports. Where possible, explain the client's requirements, the approach taken and the outcomes achieved.
Explain service delivery arrangements
Public sector customers may require different levels of support depending on the application. Suppliers should describe how they manage enquiries, allocate resources, maintain equipment and deliver services to agreed timescales. For operational services, clear arrangements for planning, safety management and reporting can help demonstrate delivery capability.
Prepare quality and compliance evidence
Businesses should review the specifications carefully and gather relevant supporting information before preparing their responses. Depending on the requirements, this could include product documentation, professional credentials, operational procedures, insurance information and technical evidence. Applicants should avoid making unsupported claims about equipment performance or operational capabilities.
Develop credible social value commitments
With social value and sustainability accounting for 20% of the overall evaluation, this section deserves appropriate attention. Relevant proposals might include skills development, training opportunities, responsible equipment management or measures to reduce environmental impacts. Any commitments should be realistic, relevant to the procurement and supported by arrangements for implementation and measurement.
How to apply for the YPO Drone and Drone Services Framework
The competition is being administered through YPO's electronic tendering portal. Suppliers can access the YPO procurement portal to review the tender documents and submission requirements.
The published deadlines are:
- 30 October 2026 at 2pm: Enquiry deadline
- 11 November 2026 at 2pm: Tender submission deadline
Businesses should allow time to register, review the relevant lot specifications, prepare supporting documents and complete their commercial and technical responses. Any clarifications or amendments issued through the portal should be checked before submission.
How Thornton & Lowe can support drone suppliers
The YPO Drone and Drone Services Framework offers opportunities for technology businesses and specialist operators to supply public sector customers with equipment, technical support and operational services. With the evaluation placing substantial emphasis on quality, social value and sustainability, applicants will need to demonstrate their capabilities clearly and support their proposals with relevant evidence.
Thornton & Lowe helps businesses prepare public sector framework applications, develop technical responses and strengthen their approach to competitive tendering. If you're considering applying for the YPO Drone and Drone Services Framework, contact Thornton & Lowe to discuss how we can support your submission ahead of the November deadline.
