Scope
Reference
715679458
Description
The Air Terminal at the Royal Air Force Brize Norton is investing in new passenger handling processing equipment. This includes the provision of new security scanners for both hold and cabin baggage and is commensurate with the separate and already contracted-for purchase of non-scanner equipment. The supplier will install a passenger and baggage handling scanner.
Contract 1. Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner
Supplier
Contract value
- £130,394 excluding VAT
- £156,473 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 3 November 2025 to 28 February 2026
- 3 months, 28 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38581000 - Baggage-scanning equipment
Contract locations
- UKJ1 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Authority, proposes to enter into a contract with Smiths Detection Limited ("Smiths") on a single source basis in accordance with paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to the Procurement Act 2023 for the provision of two Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner (the "Scanners").
This procurement will be governed by the Procurement Act 2023 ("PA 2023") Chapter 3, Section 41: Direct Award in Special Cases. It is considered that direct award of the proposed contract is lawful in accordance with PA 2023 Schedule 5 paragraph 7 which relates to the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier when a change in supplier would result in the Authority receiving goods that are different from, or incompatible with, existing goods, and the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.
It is considered that direct award is lawful in accordance with paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 PA 2023 as the Scanners are the same as the existing scanners in operation and no other supplier can provide a replica of the existing scanners in both the security area and baggage hall, at Brize Norton.
The Scanners are required to be the same as the existing scanners in operation, as operating two (or more) different scanners, would cause disproportionate technical difficulties in the operation and maintenance of both the existing scanners and the new Scanners. In particular, it would cause operational user risks to arise.
Further, by purchasing these Scanners from Smiths, training and maintenance will be covered by an existing contract between the Authority and Smiths. No other supplier will be able to offer this without disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance.
In addition, the Authority requires continuity across equipment to ensure interoperability and continuity for training and maintenance, therefore Smiths is the only supplier able to provide the Scanners and the ongoing maintenance and training required.
Supplier
Smiths Detection Limited
- Companies House: 00480992
Smiths Detection Century House
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7DE
United Kingdom
Email: linus.dibley@smithsdetection.com
Website: https://www.smithsdetection.com/
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
Naphill
High Wycombe
HP14 4UE
United Kingdom
Email: Oluwatanyosi.IbirogbaObiazi100@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government