Open consultation

Guidance on how the regulatory framework applies to qualifying sub-contracts

Summary

We are consulting on draft guidance which aims to assist the MOD and the parties to qualifying contracts to understand and apply the provisions of the regulatory framework which relate to qualifying sub-contracts.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

Qualifying sub-contracts (QSCs) account for around one in six of all qualifying contracts under the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts and have a combined value of more than £100 million. In response to a request from members of the SSRO’s Operational Working Group for an accessible summary of the regulatory provisions related to QSCs the SSRO has prepared the draft guidance on which it is now consulting. The draft guidance identifies and summarises the relevant provisions of the regulatory framework and provides signposting to existing applicable SSRO guidance, for example, on contract pricing and reporting.

The SSRO’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Jo Watts, said:

“The regulatory framework for single source defence contracts applies to QSCs and sub-contractors in much the same way as it does to qualifying defence contracts (QDCs) and primary contractors but with some specific modifications. The guidance on which we are consulting is designed to help the MOD, contracting authorities and sub-contractors better understand their statutory obligations and rights in relation to QSCs.”

The consultation is open for a six-week period until 5pm on 14 May 2025. Details of how to respond to the consultation are contained in the consultation document. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the consultation or the draft guidance during the consultation period, please contact David Pottruff at the SSRO (david.pottruff@ssro.gov.uk or 020 3589 4556).

Following consideration of the consultation feedback we aim to publish final guidance on QSCs in June 2025.

Documents

Consultation on proposed new guidance on qualifying sub-contracts

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ssro.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Consultation response form

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ssro.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Draft guidance on qualifying sub-contracts

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ssro.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Draft Notice of QSC assessment form

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ssro.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Draft Notice of a positive QSC assessment form

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@ssro.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Updates to this page

Published 2 April 2025

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