Award

715733472 Thermal Clip-On System (TCOS) UK 5

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

23 Jan 2026 at 12:38

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves the award of a Combined Support Contract by Defence Equipment and Support, a central government public authority located in Bristol, United Kingdom. The contract, titled "715733472 Thermal Clip-On System (TCOS) UK 5," falls within the defence and security sector. It involves the supply and maintenance of Thermal Clip-On Systems for a period of one year, with the contract starting on 20 February 2026 and ending on 19 February 2027. The procurement process was conducted through a direct award method due to technical grounds, awarding Thermoteknix Systems Limited, located in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, the contract valued up to £4.5 million (excluding VAT). Key details include the contract's completion status and the direct procurement rationale based on the supplier's unique technical capabilities.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for companies with expertise in military and defence systems, particularly those who specialise in thermal imaging technologies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with capabilities in supplying and maintaining technologically advanced equipment would be well-suited to engage in similar opportunities, given the technical nature of the requirements. It highlights the importance of having proprietary technical data and existing system compatibility, which can position businesses as preferred suppliers in highly specialised procurement processes where alternatives are limited. The procurement highlights how unique technical strengths and industry knowledge can play a pivotal role in securing government contracts.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

715733472 Thermal Clip-On System (TCOS) UK 5

Notice Description

The Ministry of Defence intends to award a Combined Support Contract to Thermoteknix Systems Limited for: i) the additional supply of the in-service Thermal Clip-On Systems ("TCOS") and supporting ancillaries; and ii) the repair and maintenance of these capabilities. The contract will be for a period of 1 year and have a potential value of up to PS4.5M (excluding VAT).

Procurement Information

The Ministry of Defence intends to award a Combined Support Contract to Thermoteknix Systems Limited for: i) the additional supply of the in-service Thermal Clip-On Systems ("TCOS") and supporting ancillaries; and ii) the repair and maintenance of these capabilities. The contract will be for a period of 1 year and have a potential value of up to PS4.5M (excluding VAT). It is considered that this contract can be awarded under section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 relying on the direct award justification specified in para 6 of Schedule 5 (single supplier - technical grounds). 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 Thermoteknix Systems Ltd can deliver the goods and services in accordance with the Army's Land Fleet Requirements and there are no alternatives to those goods, services or works. Thermoteknix Systems Ltd is the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Design Authority (DA) of the current in-service TCOS and supporting ancillaries, [including providing repair, technical support, and configuration management services for these capabilities]. Only Thermoteknix Systems Ltd has the necessary technical data, knowledge, and expertise, including access to proprietary information, to deliver this requirement. Their continued technical expertise, technical data, and knowledge is necessary to ensure that the TCOS remain fully operational, compliant and interoperable with existing in-service MOD platforms and weapons. Incompatibility between the TCOS and existing systems would require re-testing, and new verification and validation to ensure safety and suitability for service, operational performance and effectiveness, and interoperability. Introducing new items would result in disproportionate cost, time and technical difficulties. For technical reasons, therefore, only Thermoteknix can supply these goods and ancillary services, and there are no reasonable alternative goods or services to deliver this requirement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060d4c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006175-2026
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

38633000 - Telescopic sights

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£4,500,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
23 Jan 20261 months ago
Contract Period
20 Feb 2026 - 19 Feb 2027 6-12 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
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Mrs Amy Parker
Contact Email
des-landp2dcccommercialteam@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

THERMOTEKNIX SYSTEMS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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