Award

Vicon 78 In Service Support

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

23 Oct 2025 at 16:08

Planning

21 May 2025 at 14:28

Summary of the contracting process

The "Vicon 78 In Service Support" contract, initiated by Defence Equipment and Support, focuses on delivering comprehensive maintenance and support for the Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System. Located in Bristol, United Kingdom, the contracting authority aims to facilitate ongoing program management, technical support, and the procurement of necessary materials. This contract is categorised under Defence and Security, with a procurement method of direct award due to specific technical requirements justifying a sole supplier. The award process, as of 23rd October 2025, has been completed with Thales UK Limited as the designated supplier. The contract spans from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2034, and holds an estimated value of £4.9 million (excluding VAT).

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in defence and security services, particularly those specialising in technical support and maintenance of security and defence systems. The niche nature of the project, specifically pertaining to military-grade equipment, suggests that experienced entities with a background in defence manufacturing or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support services stand to benefit the most. Additionally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), despite not being directly named in the direct award, might find indirect opportunities in subcontracts or related services. Overall, businesses with expertise in managing and supporting complex, safety-critical systems integrated into defence platforms could consider leveraging this environment for potential growth and expansion into defence contracts.

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Notice Title

Vicon 78 In Service Support

Notice 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

Procurement Information

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 PS4.9 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

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051b7b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067981-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

75 - Administration, defence and social security services


CPV Codes

50600000 - Repair and maintenance services of security and defence materials

75221000 - Military defence services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,322,430 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£4,900,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 May 2025Expired
Award Date
23 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2034 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Rhys Davies
Contact Email
rhys.davies273@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
1
Supplier Name

THALES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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