What ACO is and what it does
Allied Command Operations is the NATO command responsible for the alliance's military operations, readiness exercises and the employment of forces. Its headquarters, SHAPE, is located in Mons, Belgium, and it is led by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
ACO plans and directs NATO operations, contributes to collective defence planning and runs exercise cooperation with partner nations. It rarely buys major weapon systems itself; instead it procures the support its operations require.
What ACO buys
ACO procurement focuses on operational support and services. Typical needs include:
- exercise and simulation services
- accommodation, catering and transport for forces
- force protection and security solutions
- communications and IT support in operations
- logistics and maintenance close to the front line
- consulting and analysis services
Why ACO matters to suppliers
Suppliers with expertise in simulation, training technology, force protection, communications systems and field logistics find recurring demand in ACO exercises and operations.
ACO requirements are often procured through the NSPA or as joint procurement, but direct tenders are published as well. Competing requires the ability to react fast and to operate in international deployment environments.
How Salpa helps
Salpa monitors public ACO and SHAPE notices as well as the support procurement routed through the NSPA. You get a clear summary and a reminder whenever a tender matches your selected categories.