§ 27. Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the type-45 destroyer programme is consistent with the smart procurement programme; and if he will make a statement. [152724]
§ Dr. MoonieThe type-45 programme is taking full advantage of the principles of the smart procurement initiative now termed smart acquisition. This is amply demonstrated by
84Wthe partnering approach adopted with the Ministry of Defence and a prime contractor in an integrated project team. This is allowingtime previously required for serial evaluation and re-evaluation of work to be removed from the programme and ensures continuous design and development, resulting in a faster completion of work;a robust use of requirements management to ensure affordability with cost of ownership a major factor in equipment selection. The design and manufacture contract contains incentives to reduce costs and the construction method adopted will facilitate competition later in the programme. All these factors will result in cheaper procurement.A deliberate choice was made to include significant growth margins in the design, as well as better accommodation for the crew. This means that the ship can be modified to meet emerging future requirements more readily and cheaply