Award

715777452 - Elmer Radio and Avionic Communication Equipment: UK5 - Transparency Notice

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

18 Feb 2026 at 11:52

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence's Defence Equipment and Support unit in Bristol, UK, has concluded the award stage of a procurement process concerning the Elmer Radio and Avionic Communication Equipment. The contract has been directly awarded to Leonardo UK, the original equipment manufacturer, for repair and post-design services of systems used on the Chinook, Merlin, and Wildcat platforms. This strategic contract, valued at £8 million, will span five years starting from 15 May 2026, with two additional option years available. The procurement falls under the services category, justified by technical reasons stipulated in the Procurement Act 2023, resulting in its direct award.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for large-scale enterprises specialising in defence and aerospace services, particularly those with expertise in avionics and electronics maintenance. Businesses with capabilities in providing specialised repair and maintenance services of audio equipment, as classified under CPV code 50342000, would be well-positioned to explore this sector. As the contract incorporates potential extensions based on discretion, businesses that can offer quality assurance and dependable service delivery stand to cement long-term partnerships and develop their footprint in the defence supply chain.

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Notice Title

715777452 - Elmer Radio and Avionic Communication Equipment: UK5 - Transparency Notice

Notice Description

The Support Capabilities and Commodities Team, part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), intends to award a contract to Leonardo UK Ltd (Leonardo) for repair and post design services for the Elmer Radio and AD120 Avionic Communication Equipment (Equipment), which is used on the Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat platforms. The contract with be for a term of 5 years plus two option years and have an estimated value of up to PS8m ex VAT. It is considered that this contract can be awarded under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (single supplier - technical reasons) applies. This is because Leonardo is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Equipment and has supported it since it was introduced into service in the early 1980s. Only the OEM has access to the technical knowledge, documentation and spare parts required to perform the contract and there are no other reasonable alternatives.

Procurement Information

This contract can be awarded under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (single supplier - technical reasons) applies.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0656e3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/014685-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50342000 - Repair and maintenance services of audio equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Feb 20264 days ago
Contract Period
14 May 2026 - 14 May 2031 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
Jade Langley
Contact Email
jade.langley118@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

LEONARDO

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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