Scope
Reference
714320451 Tracked Width Mine Plough GiK Replenishment
Description
Army Commercial, part of the UK Ministry of Defence ("MoD"), intends to award a contract to Pearson Engineering Limited ("Pearson"), for 26 Track Width Mine Ploughs ("TWMP") and 24 Main Battle Tank
("MBT") Installation Kits.
The contract will have a duration of approximately 18 months, dependent upon production timelines. The contract will have an estimated value of £10,500,000.00 (ten million and five hundred thousand pounds) and be placed as a Supply contract.
As a covered procurement, this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 (the "PA23"). It is considered that the direct award of the contract is lawful in accordance with section 41(1) and paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 5 of the PA 2023.
This procurement relates to replenishment of equipment that was Gifted in Kind (GiK) to Ukraine (UKR). This GiK activity has generated a capability gap in mobility support with minefield breaching equipment. There is no current equipment programme to replenish stocks of TWMP. The conflict in UKR has reinforced the requirement for organic mobility at the tactical level within Armoured Units and it is critical that this capability is replenished.
In accordance with paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 5 of the PA23, MoD proposes to directly award this contract to Pearson. It is considered that direct award is lawful in accordance with paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 PA23 due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, and paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 PA23, as a change in supplier would result in MoD receiving goods, services or works that are incompatible with existing goods, services or works and the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance.
Pearson are the only supplier with the specific know-how to produce the bespoke TWMP and MBT installation kits. MoD has also identified strict technical reasons that derive from specific interoperability and safety requirements; noting TWMP and installation kits must be compatible with the existing vehicle fleet, and extant safety case.
Contract 1. 714320451 Tracked Width Mine Plough GiK Replenishment
Supplier
Contract value
- £8,674,805 excluding VAT
- £10,409,766 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
20 August 2025
Contract dates
- 20 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 7 months, 12 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34113200 - All-terrain vehicles
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|
| On Time Delivery | Percentage of contractual milestones achieved (in accordance with PEL Schedule Delivery Plan) on or before contractual due date. |
1 months |
| Product Quality and Compliance | Percentage of delivered units that pass First Article Inspection (FAI) or Acceptance Testing without requiring rework or remedial action. |
12 months |
| Completeness and Timeliness of Supporting Deliverables | Measure of supplier's performance in providing all contractually required supporting items (i.e., documentation, manuals, training and spares, if applicable). |
12 months |
Signed contract documents
(05) SC2 Schedules_REDACTED.pdf
SC2 Schedules REDACTED
(03) SC2 Core Terms_Signed by Both Parties_REDACTED.pdf
SC2 Core Terms (Signed) REDACTED
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
As a covered procurement, this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 (the "PA23"). It is considered that the direct award of the contract is lawful in accordance with section 41(1) and paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 5 of the PA 2023.
This procurement relates to replenishment of equipment that was Gifted in Kind (GiK) to Ukraine (UKR). This GiK activity has generated a capability gap in mobility support with minefield breaching equipment. There is no current equipment programme to replenish stocks of TWMP. The conflict in UKR has reinforced the requirement for organic mobility at the tactical level within Armoured Units and it is critical that this capability is replenished.
In accordance with paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 5 of the PA23, MoD proposes to directly award this contract to Pearson. It is considered that direct award is lawful in accordance with paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 PA23 due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, and paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 PA23 as a change in supplier would result in MoD receiving goods, services or works that are incompatible with existing goods, services or works and the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. Therefore, there is an absence of competition for technical reasons as no other supplier is able to supply TWMP and/or MBT installation kits that meet MoD's requirements and there are no reasonable alternatives to these goods.
Pearson are the only supplier with the specific know-how to produce the bespoke TWMP and MBT installation kits. MoD has also identified strict technical reasons that derive from specific interoperability and safety requirements; noting TWMP and installation kits must be compatible with the existing vehicle fleet, and extant safety case.
Supplier
Pearson Engineering Ltd
- Companies House: 01876136
Scotswood Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 6UX
United Kingdom
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. 714320451 Tracked Width Mine Plough GiK Replenishment
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
Marlborough Lines
Andover
SP11 8HJ
United Kingdom
Email: army-comrcl-mcd-mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government