NATO procurement is decentralized. Opportunities for Canadian industry are issued through multiple NATO agencies, commands, headquarters and innovation organizations.
This guide serves to help Canadian companies understand what each organization does, what capabilities it seeks, and where to find opportunities.
Primary Procurement Pathways
NCIA
NATO Communications and Information Agency
Digital transformation, cyber, cloud, C4ISR, communications, SATCOM, software, data and enterprise IT.
Best for: Digital, cyber, communications and information technology companies.
NSPA
NATO Support and Procurement Agency
Logistics, sustainment, lifecycle support, major equipment, infrastructure, fuel, ammunition support, aviation and broader operational support.
Best for: Defence manufacturers, logistics providers, engineering firms and sustainment companies.
Capability Development & Operational Demand
ACT
Allied Command Transformation
Focus: future capabilities, experimentation, concept development, innovation, interoperability and early industry engagement.
ACO
Allied Command Operations
Focus: operational requirements, exercises, operational capabilities and contracting supporting NATO's command structure.
Innovation & Specialized Pathways
DIANA
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
Dual-use technology, accelerator programmes, challenge calls and innovation.
CMRE
Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation
Maritime science, autonomous systems, sensing, AI, data and experimentation.
JWC
Joint Warfare Centre
Warfare development, training, exercises, experimentation and associated support.
miscellaneous
NATO Headquarters Contracting
Direct procurement of goods and services required to support NATO’s political headquarters, international staffs, facilities, and day-to-day operations.