Award

Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) Mid Life Improvement (MLI)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

12 Sep 2025 at 13:11

Award

24 Jan 2024 at 15:40

Summary of the contracting process

The UK Ministry of Defence has entered into a 10-year contract with FN UK Ltd for the Mid Life Improvement (MLI) of the Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). As part of the Dismounted Close Combat project team, the Ministry is leveraging the expertise of FN UK Ltd, located at Phoenix House, Slade Green Road in Erith, due to their role as the Original Equipment Manufacturer and Design Authority with exclusive access to necessary technical information. This procurement falls under the services category specialised in the repair and maintenance of firearms and ammunition, employing a limited negotiation method without prior publication. The contract was awarded on 1st August 2025, indicating that the procurement is in the award stage.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities especially for firms involved in defence sector services focusing on the repair and maintenance of weapon systems. Although the primary contract has been awarded to FN UK Ltd due to their unique capabilities and technical advantages, businesses that can offer complementary services or components related to the HMG may find potential partnerships or subcontracting opportunities. Companies with expertise in defence maintenance services and those that can provide innovative enhancements in line with military specifications would be well-suited to explore collaborations under this project.

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Notice Title

Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) Mid Life Improvement (MLI)

Notice Description

The Dismounted Close Combat project team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence is placing a 10-year contract with FN UK Ltd for the Mid Life Improvement of the Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). This is because FN UK Ltd are the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Design Authority (DA) and are the only economic entity with access to the necessary technical information, knowledge and expertise, for the HMG comprised in this contract. FN UK Ltd are also the only economic entity with the capability and access necessary to provide the required technical support to ensure it complies with the Authority's specification, maintains the operational performance and effectiveness of the weapon system, and ability to underwrite the integrity of the modifications to the weapons systems as a result of a safety investigation.

Lot Information

Lot 1

This contract will enable the Authority to undertake the Mid Life improvement requirements for the Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) that will ensure the UK Armed Forces Commands can meet their enduring and future capability needs.

Procurement Information

Explanation: In accordance with regulation 4 of The Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 as amended (in particular by SI 2019/697 and SI 2020/1450). Prior publication of a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate. It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for Technical Reasons. This is because FN UK Ltd are the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Design Authority (DA) and are the only economic entity with access to the necessary technical information, knowledge and expertise, for the HMG comprised in this contract. FN UK Ltd are also the only economic entity with the capability and access necessary to provide the required technical support to ensure it complies with the Authority's specification, maintains the operational performance and effectiveness of the weapon system, and ability to underwrite the integrity of the modifications to the weapons systems as a result of a safety investigation.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-043442
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056222-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Negotiated without publication of a contract notice
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50620000 - Repair and maintenance services of firearms and ammunition

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£40,000,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Jan 20242 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
neena.sahauli100@mod.gov.uk, attn: Neena Sahauli
Contact Email
neena.sahauli100@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

FN

FNH

Further Information

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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