Award

Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

15 Oct 2025 at 08:54

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence, headquartered in High Wycombe, is overseeing a procurement process for the installation of new Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanners at the Royal Air Force Brize Norton. The tender falls under the industry category of security equipment within the central government sector. The procurement process has reached the award stage, with a direct award granted to Smiths Detection Limited. The contract's total gross value amounts to GBP 156,473, and it is scheduled to commence on 3rd November 2025, concluding on 28th February 2026. This procurement aligns with the legal framework outlined in the Procurement Act 2023, leveraging a direct award due to the necessity of maintaining technical compatibility and operational continuity with existing equipment.

This tender represents a significant business opportunity, especially for firms involved in the provision of security scanning equipment. While the specific contract was awarded directly to Smiths Detection Limited due to technical and operational requirements, businesses with capabilities in this sector should note the Ministry of Defence's ongoing investment in security technology, signalling potential future opportunities. Companies specialising in maintenance, training, and provisioning of compatible systems might find growth prospects in collaborating as subcontractors or partners in similar government projects. Additionally, the procurement process indicates an appreciation for technical integration, suggesting that businesses with expertise in this area could position themselves favourably for future tenders.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner

Notice Description

The Air Terminal at the Royal Air Force Brize Norton is investing in new passenger handling processing equipment. This includes the provision of new security scanners for both hold and cabin baggage and is commensurate with the separate and already contracted-for purchase of non-scanner equipment. The supplier will install a passenger and baggage handling scanner.

Procurement Information

The Authority, proposes to enter into a contract with Smiths Detection Limited ("Smiths") on a single source basis in accordance with paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to the Procurement Act 2023 for the provision of two Air Terminal Passenger & Baggage Handling Security Scanner (the "Scanners"). This procurement will be governed by the Procurement Act 2023 ("PA 2023") Chapter 3, Section 41: Direct Award in Special Cases. It is considered that direct award of the proposed contract is lawful in accordance with PA 2023 Schedule 5 paragraph 7 which relates to the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier when a change in supplier would result in the Authority receiving goods that are different from, or incompatible with, existing goods, and the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance. It is considered that direct award is lawful in accordance with paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 PA 2023 as the Scanners are the same as the existing scanners in operation and no other supplier can provide a replica of the existing scanners in both the security area and baggage hall, at Brize Norton. The Scanners are required to be the same as the existing scanners in operation, as operating two (or more) different scanners, would cause disproportionate technical difficulties in the operation and maintenance of both the existing scanners and the new Scanners. In particular, it would cause operational user risks to arise. Further, by purchasing these Scanners from Smiths, training and maintenance will be covered by an existing contract between the Authority and Smiths. No other supplier will be able to offer this without disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. In addition, the Authority requires continuity across equipment to ensure interoperability and continuity for training and maintenance, therefore Smiths is the only supplier able to provide the Scanners and the ongoing maintenance and training required.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ccf6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065449-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38581000 - Baggage-scanning equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£130,394 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
15 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
3 Nov 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
oluwatanyosi.ibirogbaobiazi100@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
HIGH WYCOMBE
Postcode
HP14 4UE
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Ridgeway West
Westminster Constituency
Mid Buckinghamshire

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SMITHS DETECTION

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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