Provision of Air Traffic Management Services

This Notice is withdrawn and a new Notice will be published.

The Air Traffic Management Team (ATMT) within the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a requirement for the design, procurement and installation of military air traffic management capability. These services ensure that military flying operations are conducted safely and the supplier must have the relevant Military Aviation Authority (MAA) approval.

MOD intends to amend the existing contract for the services (the ‘Contract’) in a way which shall materially change the duration and vary the pricing. It is considered that this amendment may be placed in accordance with the Direct Award criteria under Schedule 5, paragraph 20 to the Act.

The existing contractor has sought to renegotiate the contract price, citing external cost pressures that make current arrangements unsustainable. There is a material risk of a gap in service if the MOD does not engage in the negotiations, or recompetes the requirement. This is because no other supplier currently holds the necessary approvals to deliver the service and the time taken for an alternative supplier to obtain the required approvals will result in a gap in service. Any gap in service would compromise the operational capability and safety of military flying operations and it is therefore necessary for the contract to be awarded directly.

Placing this amendment by direct award will maintain crucial defence capabilities whilst also reducing the Contract duration by five years, enabling MOD to approach the market earlier than originally anticipated.