News story

MOD unveils facilities management contract

A new contract for the future provision of building and facilities management at UK air bases used by US military forces has been announced.

• From: Defence Infrastructure Organisation
• Published: 19 March 2014

A US Air Force F-15C Eagle takes off from RAF Lakenheath

The prime contract, announced by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in partnership with United States Visiting Forces (USVF), has an estimated annual value of £70 million and an estimated value of £350 million over a 5-year period, with an option to extend for a further 5 years.

It will cover a number of air bases currently used by USVF, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and RAF Menwith Hill in Yorkshire.

DIO is now inviting expressions of interest, marking the start of the procurement process for the new commercial arrangements.

The new contract will include the provision of maintenance and repair services on all UK military sites used by USVF. This includes a 24/7 emergency helpdesk, pest control, maintenance of housing, hospitals and utilities infrastructure, snow and ice clearance, grounds maintenance and a refuse collection service.

It is expected that the contract will be awarded by spring 2016, coming into service in late 2016.

DIO will host an industry day at the Defence Academy at Shrivenham in Oxfordshire in April 2014 for potential contractors and supply chain businesses to be briefed on the procurement process, the scope of the USVF prime contract, and other aspects of working for the Ministry of Defence and USVF. Further details will be provided in the contract advert.

A contract advert and pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) have been published on the Defence Contracts Online website. Potential tenderers will complete their PQQ return as an expression of interest and all expressions of interest must be completed by no later than midday on 14 May 2014.

US Air Force Staff Sergeant Ryan Almy changes a bearing on an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at RAF Lakenheath [Picture: Staff Sergeant Stephen Linch, US Air Force]

Matt Foley, DIO’s Head of Next Generation Estate Contracts, said:

DIO’s relationship with USVF is a very important one and we are pleased to work with them to establish this new contract.

The new arrangements will provide a robust commercial framework which will enable us to access a highly skilled supply chain. This will not only strengthen our ability to support the United States Armed Forces, but will also provide best value for money for the US and UK taxpayer.

Stuart Ellington, USVF Prime Project Manager, said:

We are looking for contactors with robust supply chain arrangements and would also encourage small businesses to bring their expertise and experience to the attention of potential bidders for these contracts as early as possible, to explore any subcontracting opportunities.

The successful bidder will need to work closely with USVF on the UK estate to meet their requirements and deliver a high level of service.

Published 19 March 2014