DEFENCE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS TEAM DOWN-SELECTED FOR MOD LOGISTICS PROGRAMME

07 Oct 03. The Defence Logistic Solutions team has been down-selected
to participate in the next phase of the Future Defence Supply Chain initiative
(FDSCi). The team, which includes BAE Systems, Rolls- Royce, Westland Helicopters and Alvis Vickers, has now been invited to submit a proposal that meets the MoD’s Future Defence Supply Chain requirement.

The team was down-selected following submission of an expression of interest, and a Pre Qualification Questionnaire, to the MOD after publication of details in the MoD’s Contracts Bulletin in 2002.

It is estimated that the MoD currently spends around £400m per annum in an area of business that encompasses the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency and the
Defence Transport & Movements Agency.

DLS bid director, Steve Cobbin said: “We are adopting a joint approach to ensure
the proposed supply chain solution delivers operational capability, value for money, targeted cost savings and is in line with the Defence Logistics Organisation’s (DLO) strategy. The original equipment manufacturers that make up the Defence Logistic Solutions team have a vast amount of experience in dealing with supply chain issues. With the increased emphasis on contractorised logistics support contracts we have a vested interest in improving supply chain operations and the inclusion of additional team members, including TNT and Fleet Support Limited, enhances the skills of our team still further. Our proposal is for a partnered approach with the MoD on a solution that draws upon the expertise of existing MoD personnel as well as the Defence Logistic
Solutions team.”

Proposals are due to be submitted to the MoD by February 2004. Bid assessment and negotiations will take place throughout 2004 leading to potential contract award in early 2005.