Project WILLFUL – Next Generation Specialist Vehicles – Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
Project WILLFUL is a long-term UK Ministry of Defence R&D and experimentation initiative led by Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) to inform a parallel land manoeuvre programme over the next 10–15 years. US Companies are eligible to apply. Through Collaborative Working Innovation Contracts (CWICs, the UK analogue to a CRADA), CSOC will collaborate directly with industry to mature and demonstrate novel technologies on a light, high-mobility 4x4 specialist vehicle platform. Submissions are accepted via Scout Cards until 01 January 2027.
How much funding would I receive?
Est. $500K to $5 million. Funding is expected to be provided through CWICs and related collaborative R&D and capability demonstration activities over the lifetime of the project.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding and collaboration under Project WILLFUL may be used to research, develop, integrate, and demonstrate novel technologies aligned to the following Technology Interest Items:
Alternative Powertrains. Realising the benefits of electric motors at the axels or wheel stations without sacrificing the requirement to run on traditional and dirty fuels. Novel hybrid solutions that are optimised for performance, not emissions. Reduce training, cognitive load on the operator and maintenance. Afford 'silent' approach (reduced audio and thermal signature). Increase exportable power for sub-systems. Future proof for the point where pure EV becomes viable. Improve torque characteristics.
Increasing Payload. Powered Trailers. UGVs. Modified third axles. Novel chassis construction.
C-UAS. Hard and soft kill.
Signature Management. Either through physical profile, such as additive manufacturing solutions or modifiable body kits. Or mounted reductive systems for thermal, audio, IR, EM, RF and counter MLM-enabled object recognition.
Exportable Power. Generation and distribution. Power harvesting.
Protection. Modular ballistic protection. Modular blast protection. Soft kill DAS.
Low profile and light weight Remote Weapons Station. Specifically, options that can be either fitted or removed quickly without specialist tools or can be hidden within vehicle architecture and brought to bear when needed.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond direct R&D collaboration, participation in Project WILLFUL offers significant indirect benefits. Working directly with CSOC and specialist end users provides early insight into future UK land manoeuvre requirements and long-term capability direction. Successful contributors gain credibility through direct Ministry of Defence collaboration, access to spiral acquisition pathways over a 10–15 year horizon, and positioning for follow-on programmes as requirements mature. The use of CWICs enables deeper technical collaboration than traditional procurement mechanisms.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Vendors are encouraged to submit Scout Cards as early as possible, as engagement, experimentation opportunities, and CWIC pathways may be pursued on a rolling basis as funds and collaboration slots are allocated. Early submissions are more likely to influence ongoing research, experimentation, and requirement-setting activities.
The Scout Card submission window opened on 26 January 2026 at 18:00 CST and formally closes on 01 January 2027 at 17:59 CST. Project WILLFUL is expected to continue throughout the full spiral delivery of the associated land manoeuvre programme over 10–15 years, with capability interest areas and CWICs reviewed periodically.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding and collaboration are provided by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, delivered through Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) using procurement reform mechanisms and Collaborative Working Innovation Contracts (CWICs).
Who is eligible to apply?
There is no initial threshold requirement for vendors at first consideration. However, to proceed beyond initial review and toward CWIC award, vendors will be required to share information at UK SECRET. Security accreditation may inform down-selection.
As a baseline, vendors should seek to secure:
Facility Security Clearance
Suitable personnel security clearances (UK SECRET or equivalent)
United Kingdom Security Vetting (GOV.UK clearance levels)
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Projects most likely to succeed are those that:
Demonstrate novel technologies aligned to the listed Technology Interest Items
Can integrate solutions onto a light, high-mobility 4x4 military-spec platform
Support rapid experimentation, spiral development, and evolving requirements
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Subsequent participation beyond initial consideration will require the ability to handle information classified at UK SECRET. Security accreditation and vetting may restrict participation for vendors unable to meet these requirements.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Initial participation requires submission of a Scout Card. For a first time applicant this will take 20-40 hours to submit without assistance from BW&CO.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $4,000 for the Scout Card Submission.
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review the solicitation here.