The plan lays out plans for major works and a new procurement process

The Ministry of Defence has revealed a new procurement plan outlining a £15.7bn programme of major projects and a proposal to expand its supply chain.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the MoD’s estate management arm, has revealed its plan for the next five financial years. 

The plan seeks to establish what DIO calls a broader and more diverse supply base, including doing more business with SME suppliers, as well as a list of major projects.

S300 ministry of defence

According to the DIO around 75% of spending on maintenance at defence sites currently goes directly or indirectly to SMEs, but it wants more small firms on board and to make the process easier for them.

The DIO said it hoped by listing all the major projects and contracts, the procurement plan will make it easier for existing and potential suppliers to plan ahead, by offering advice on bidding for this work and greater transparency on working with MoD.

Defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: “Working with industry is critical to delivering this, and our new procurement plan ensures the private sector has a head start in bidding for this crucial work.”

Opportunities outlined in the procurement plan include the £4bn Defence Estate Optimisation Programme, the Future Defence Infrastructure Services contracts – which will provide facilities management across the UK’s military bases – and the £1.3bn Clyde Infrastructure Programme.

The plan also detailed works including essential maintenance work worth £568m to support nuclear infrastructure capability at HMNB Clyde, as well as a £58m investment in a modern submarine training facility at the base.

Alongside this, there are plans for an £8m investment in Bovington Camp to support the AJAX armoured vehicles which will enter service in 2020.