UK to award BAE Systems artillery components contract

The Ministry of Defence has signalled its intent to award BAE Systems a four-year contract worth up to GBP 4 million for the supply of artillery, howitzer and armoured vehicle weapons systems components, including parts for the 105mm Light Gun.

Babcock Land Defence Limited, acting as agent on behalf of the MOD, has published a notice of intent to negotiate a single-source contract with BAE Systems GCS International Ltd under section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023.

The justification given is that “only BAE Systems GCS International Ltd has significant niche expertise, knowledge, and acquired specific experience to undertake the manufacture, testing and supply” of the required components.

The contract would cover approximately 499 NATO Stock Numbers, codified in accordance with CSIS Manufacturer’s Part Numbers. Babcock has reserved the right to add further items of a similar nature post-award, stating it “reserve the right to add further items of a similar nature to the contract post award (over and above those items envisaged to be added at Contract Award).”

Performance will be measured against key indicators covering on-time delivery, non-conforming deliveries and new stores rejects. The contract would run for four years with no extension options, though the MOD noted it reserves the right to award a follow-on contract to the existing supplier should circumstances remain unchanged at the point of cessation, in accordance with “section 41(6) of the Procurement Act 2023 utilising Schedule 5 paragraphs 5 (a) & (b) if there are no changes to the sole production and distributor or authorised distributor rights of the required goods.”