Scope
Reference
714736451
Description
The requirement is for the Provision of In Barrack Equipment Support (IBES) to Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). It will cover the deployment of technicians to provide maintenance services on Watchkeeper RPAS.
Contract 1. The Provision of In Barrack Equipment Support (IBES) to Watchkeeper
Supplier
Contract value
- £911,536.95 excluding VAT
- £1,093,844.34 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
29 August 2025
Contract dates
- 29 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 30 September 2026
- 1 year, 1 month, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
6-month option period or part thereof
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71336000 - Engineering support services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|
| SQEP authorisation awarded. | All SQEP authorisations met in accortdance with the Statement of Requierement Terms of Reference and commensurate with any secondary duties undertaken. |
3 months |
| Monthly delivery of demanded maintenance hours. | Percentage of hours delivered that month, against monthly demand. |
1 months |
| Accrued delivery of demanded maintenance hours. | Percentage of hours accrued that Financial Year, against accrued demand. |
1 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Authority intends to award a contract to MPI Limited for the Provision of In Barrack Engineering Support (IBES) to Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). The contract will cover the deployment at specific working locations of technicians as workforce enhancement, to provide maintenance services on Watchkeeper RPAS. The Contract is intended to be for a duration of 9 months commencing on 1 July 2025, with 1 x 6-month option period (or part thereof). The duration of the Contract aligns with the estimated out of service date of Watchkeeper, 31 March 2026. The Watchkeeper capability is required to remain at readiness level until a suitable replacement reaches its initial operating capability. The value of the Contract (including option year) is estimated to be £911,536.95 exclusive of VAT.
It is considered that this contract can be awarded in accordance with paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023, where competition is absent for technical reasons.
MPI Limited is the only supplier with the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to provide the requisite engineering support to the Watchkeeper platform. The time taken to recruit and train technicians to the requisite standard would cause an unacceptable capability gap in the provision of the services resulting in an unacceptable risk to readiness levels of the platform and, therefore, operations.
Supplier
MPI Limited
- Companies House: 02746209
The Chase, Foxholes Business Park
Hertford
SG13 7NN
United Kingdom
Email: info@mpi.ltd.uk
Website: https://www.mpi.ltd.uk
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. The Provision of In Barrack Equipment Support (IBES) to Watchkeeper
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
Army HQ
Andover
SP11 8HT
United Kingdom
Contact name: Commercial Officer
Email: Army-Comrcl-Procure-FA-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government