The Ministry of Defence has issued a Voluntary Transparency Notice confirming its intention to award a £26 million single-source contract to Enterprise Services Defence and Security UK Limited, part of DXC Technology, for continued support of the Advanced Mission Planning Aid (AMPA).

Published on 21 August, the notice covers a 31-month period from September 2025 to March 2028.

The contract will extend existing in-service support arrangements, providing both design organisation backing and post-design services for two AMPA variants. The MOD’s Command and Control, Targeting Navigations and Communications Team will oversee the deal.

The notice explained the rationale for bypassing open competition, citing safety and regulatory requirements. “Due to mission data generated by AMPA being referenced when airborne, the system is deemed to impact air safety and the supplier, Enterprise Services Defence and Security UK Limited (DXC Technology), is required to be accredited by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as a Design Organisation,” the MOD stated.

DXC is described as the sole company able to design, modify, and sustain the mission planning system. According to the release, the contract will deliver “economy of scale benefit” by supporting both AMPA variants under a single framework.

The MOD concluded that the single-source award is permitted under Regulations 6(3A)(b) and 7(1)(a) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, effectively excluding the deal from normal competition rules.

The Advanced Mission Planning Aid underpins aircrew preparation and operational planning across multiple platforms, providing mission data critical to safe and effective flight operations.

George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison

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