Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 135
135
Accepted
Defence aims for maximum five-year acquisition and three-year digital programme commitments, with tailored approaches.
Conclusion
It also states that Defence intends to set “a maximum five-year commitment for acquisition programmes, with a maximum three-year commitment for digital programmes” although it acknowledges that the MOD procures a wide range of equipment, goods and services and so will need to “tailor our approach to reflect the risk and complexity of each programme, ensuring that we are proportionate in the approach we take. For example, we recognise that some of our more exceptional programmes–those on the Government Major Projects Portfolio–will out of necessity take longer.”273
Government Response Summary
The government states that the new Integrated Procurement Model, which involves earlier expert assurance and empowered subject matter experts, is designed to ensure future military programs are delivered efficiently, avoiding past challenges of over-complexity and delays, and will incorporate 'spiral' development.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
This is highlighted in the new Integrated Procurement Model–a system that will see earlier expert assurance of future military programmes to ensure they will deliver for UK forces on the frontline. The reforms will look to avoid previous challenges where programmes have been over-complex, over-budget, and over time. The reforms will see greater empowerment of subject matter experts across the defence enterprise including Dstl scientists, government export leads, finance experts and industry partners to challenge and shape proposals before they receive the go-ahead. Driving pace is key to the overall reforms and the concept of ‘spiral’ development will be at the forefront as new programmes are initiated, avoiding capabilities that are not adaptable to the changing environment or are overly complex and too bespoke to export.