scope:

This Part of the Defence Standard gives guidance to staff on the considerations for, and the undertaking of, MDs and MDPs. It describes the factors that the sponsor and MOD Project Manager (PM), advised by the R&M Panels, should consider before deciding whether an MDP is appropriate to the procurement strategy. It provides direction on the requirements for MDs at the specification, invitation to negotiate (ITN) and final contract stages. Guidance is also given on the preparation of the MDP plan and directive.

It should be emphasized that the requirements for a demonstration will vary between equipments and between Services; this Part of the Standard provides general direction so that common procedures can be applied wherever possible. An MDP for off-the-shelf equipment should be considered in the same way as for any other type of equipment.