Scope
Reference
RQ0000071886
Description
The Authority has awarded a follow-on contract to L3 Harris, to provide storage, maintenance and repair services for a number of Authority owned surface vessels.
Contract 1. Surface Assets Storage and Maintenance
Supplier
Contract value
- £968,625 excluding VAT
- £1,162,350 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
17 December 2025
Contract dates
- 17 December 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2029
- 3 years, 3 months, 15 days
Description of possible extension:
3 options for additional years of storage and maintenance FY26/27, FY27/28, FY28/29
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
3 options for additional years of storage and maintenance FY26/27, FY27/28, FY28/29
CPV classifications
- 50246100 - Dry-docking services
- 50244000 - Reconditioning services of ships or boats
- 50245000 - Upgrading services of ships
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Due to the scope and nature of this contract KPIs were assessed as offering no proportionate or practical benefit. Contract performance will instead be managed through contractual terms and ongoing operational oversight. As this contract is below the £5m threshold, KPIs are not mandatory.
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Defence and security
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Continuation of technically specialist services, IP issues and timescales.
This is a follow-on contract for the Storage, Maintenance, Operation and Repair of the Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) assets. Service provision is required immediately.
MAST assets are complex system-of-systems that provide an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system capability. L3 Harris has unique SQEP specific to the Dstl-owned systems (which incorporate L3Harris and Dstl owned IP). They have a detailed knowledge of the system and can fulfil the role of 'Design Authority' to safely design vessel modifications for trial requirements (including integration of Third Party software, sensors and payloads), can safely operate the USV and ensure compliance with legislation, primarily the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Workboat Code, and the Ministry of Defence Certification requirements.
The MAST is a complex system of systems, which is software intensive. The software architecture includes software elements, with IP owned by Dstl and by L3Harris ASV distributed inextricably throughout. The expertise required to develop and integrate systems is the USP of L3 Harris and no other 3rd party would be able to get access to this due to the systems proprietary nature. The Dstl owned software cannot function without the OEM software.
Given the complex technical nature of the MAST systems and the IPR issues, any alternative supplier would introduce an unacceptable level of technical and project management risk to this procurement.
Supplier
L3 Harris ASV
- Companies House: 03689515
1 Blossom Yard,
London
E1 6RS
United Kingdom
Email: sales.asvuk@l3harris.com
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDDM-1961-MTLN
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JQ
United Kingdom
Email: SP3_Commercial_team@dstl.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laborator
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government