Accuracy International Combined Support Services Contract

Concepts

• accuracy international ltd
• bristol
• firearms and ammunition
• repair services
• provision of a technical support service
• accuracy international combined support services contract
• service sniper rifles
• service rifles
• 5-year period
• repair and maintenance

Location

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath Area:

Description

The Authority has awarded a contract to Accuracy International Ltd for the provision of combined support, supply and repair services in respect of in-service sniper rifles. The contract will be for a 5-year period and will include the provision of a technical support service and will enable the procurement of additional in-service rifles, if required.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 50620000 - Repair and maintenance services of firearms and ammunition

Legal Justification

The Dismounted Close Combat programme team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, has awarded a 5-year contract with Accuracy International Ltd for the Combined Support, Supply and Repair of the in-service sniper rifles that includes a technical support service and the provision to procure additional in-service rifles, if required. The Contract was placed using the Negotiated Procedure without Prior Publication of a Contract Notice pursuant to Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the UK Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for Technical Reasons. This is because Accuracy International Ltd are the only economic entity with the necessary technical information, knowledge and expertise, for the rifle comprised in this contract. Accuracy International Ltd are the only economic entity with the capability necessary to provide the required technical support to ensure it complies with the Authority’s specification and maintains operational performance and effectiveness of the weapons. As part of the Contract, should the Authority wish to procure additional rifles during the term of the contract, the Negotiated Procedure without Prior Publication of a Contract Notice pursuant to 16(1)(b)(i) of the UK Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for Technical Reasons will apply. A change of supplier would oblige the Authority to acquire rifles having different technical characteristics that will result in incompatibility with existing in-service rifles and disproportionate technical difficulties and increased time and cost in the maintenance of the existing weapons incurred by the Authority associated with introducing new rifles and spares into the Authority’s supply chain and inventory. A change of supplier would affect the safety and operational performance of the rifle. Any rifles provided by another economic entity would require new testing, verification and validation to ensure that the safety and suitability for service of the weapon and operational performance and effectiveness is not compromised, and that the Safety Case for the weapon is not invalidated. In addition, an alternative supplier would not be able to provide the required level of technical support services essential for the Authority to safeguard operational use of the rifle. This would also lead to additional configuration control measures and generate additional training measures to mitigate any potential safety incidents from users.

Other Information

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