Awarding of Defence Contracts 2022-01-10
2022-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the transparency and accessibility of MOD contracts for domestic contractors.
What steps he is taking to ensure that contracts awarded by his Department are subject to open competition and accessible to domestic contractors. Wight Shipyard Co. in my constituency recently raised with me its concern about the niche criteria and very short timeframes for the Ministry of Defence's special purpose ship contract.
The defence and security industrial strategy provides a more flexible approach to determine the right acquisition strategy for any given capability. Where tenders are used, they are designed to be fair, open and accessible to domestic contractors. My hon. Friend is an assiduous advocate for the Island and he was right to raise this issue with me before Christmas. I looked into it and have written to him on the subject. The requirement is for an existing vessel that can enter service very quickly. It has attracted a significant degree of interest from a wide range of suppliers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific concern about niche criteria and short timeframes was not directly addressed with concrete measures to improve accessibility.
Flexible Approach
Looked Into It
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Wight Shipyard Co. raised concerns about niche criteria and short timeframes for the MOD's special purpose ship contract.
Will my hon. Friend reassure me that all MOD contracts are fairly given out and fairly tendered to all contractors in the country, including smaller contractors such as Wight Shipyard?
My hon. Friend is an assiduous advocate for the Island and he was right to raise this issue with me before Christmas. I looked into it and have written to him on the subject. The requirement is for an existing vessel that can enter service very quickly. It has attracted a significant degree of interest from a wide range of suppliers, and they will have to compete along the lines outlined.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue about niche criteria was not directly addressed with concrete measures or timeline for improvement.
Looked Into It
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the significant private investment made by BAE and Babcock in Scottish shipyards, including advanced manufacturing processes and apprenticeships.
Will he now commit to rewarding that investment by unequivocally ensuring that the fleet solid support ships are built in whole, not in part, in Scottish and, if necessary, other UK yards, and categorically commit to using UK steel?
I think the hon. Gentleman should pay tribute to what this Government are doing in terms of investment in shipbuilding. We are a phenomenal investor in shipbuilding. BAE and Babcock are doing a tremendous job, with a huge number of ships coming through the production line. I am not going to prejudge a tender—that would completely contradict what I said in my previous remarks.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about building ships entirely in Scottish and UK yards was not addressed directly, instead praising general investment without commitment.
Not Prejudging A Tender
Response accuracy