9 April 2008

Detica Group plc (DCA.L), the specialist business and technology consultancy, announced today that it has been awarded two significant contracts in the defence market. The contracts, worth approximately £2.3m to Detica and won in partnership with Atkins, involve the provision of Programme Management Office and Enterprise Architecture Design services to the MOD's CIPHER Programme being delivered by the Defence Cryptosecurity Authority.

The CIPHER programme will provide new cryptographic equipment and services to ensure secure information exchange across all military operations and the secure distribution of the associated technology components. As part of the programme the Defence Cryptosecurity Authority, supported by Detica, is also leading the procurement of similar capabilities across the rest of government on behalf of the Cabinet Office (the Secure Management Infrastructure project, part of the Information Assurance Technology Programme). The CIPHER Programme size is expected to be in the region of £200m.

The work will exploit Detica's industry-leading skills and experience in information assurance and enterprise architecture design. Over a three-year period the two defence contracts will address the challenges and issues associated with MOD and wider government's cryptographic capability acquisition programme.

Dr Tony Klein, Director of Detica's Defence Business, said: "We are delighted to have been selected to undertake this work which strengthens our longstanding relationship with the Defence Cryptosecurity Authority. We look forward to working in close collaboration with the DCA and Atkins to ensure the successful delivery of the CIPHER programme."

Sally Clift or Rachel Ringstead Porter NovelliTel: +44 (0)207 853 2222email: or