Scope
Description
Program Managmenet, Repairs including material purchases, Technical Support, Procurment of spares & ground support equipment and Tasking for Vicon 78 Series 455 inc Post Design Services
Contract 1. Vicon 78 In Service Support
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,900,000 excluding VAT
- £5,880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
25 August 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2034
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 50600000 - Repair and maintenance services of security and defence materials
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Defence and security
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Defensive Aids Delivery Team, part of the Ministry of Defence ("the Authority"), intends to enter into a contract with Thales UK Limited ("Thales") for the through-life support of Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) including maintenance, technical engineering support, training, procurement in support of Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) and associated spares provision. These systems are mandated as Theatre Entry Standard (TES) equipment, used across several platforms in line with customer requirements.
The length of the new contract will be eight years. The approximate value of the Contract is estimated to be £4.9 million ex VAT.
In accordance with Section 41(1)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023 (the "Act"), the Authority intends to rely on the Single Supplier direct award justification, as set out in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 of the Act, to award a public contract directly to Thales, a supplier that is not an excluded supplier. It is considered that a Direct Award is permissible under the Act on the basis that, due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only Thales can carry out the services and there are no alternatives to those goods, services or works. Only Thales can supply the services for the following reasons:
Thales is the OEM for Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) and are currently providing in-service support including maintenance. Only Thales has the necessary technical information to be able to perform this requirement. Their continued technical expertise, technical data and manufacturing expertise is necessary to ensure that the system remains fully operational and compliant with evolving threat environments.
Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) is integrated into specific aircraft platforms, with bespoke configurations tailored to each platform's operational requirements. Thales is the only supplier with the detailed technical information necessary to ensure seamless integration and compatibility with existing systems.
Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) is a safety-critical system, and any modifications or maintenance must comply with stringent airworthiness and safety standards. Thales, as the OEM, is the only supplier with the relevant technical information and system expertise to be able to ensure safety/airworthiness requirements are met.
Accordingly, due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, Thales is considered as the only supplier that can provide the services and there are no reasonable alternatives to those services as required by the Authority.
The contract will not be awarded to an excluded or excludable supplier, a Contract Award Notice and Contract Details Notice will follow in accordance with Procurement Act 2023.
Risk Assessment Ref: RAR-250822A01
Cyber Risk Profile: Moderate
Supplier
Thales UK Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLTY-2297-BQYQ
350 Longwater Avenue
Reading
RG2 6GF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Vicon 78 In Service Support
Contracting authority
Defence Equipment and Support
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRL-5831-GLMM
MOD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Rhys Davies
Email: rhys.davies273@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government