§ Baroness Massey of Darwenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the procurement strategy for acquiring the Tactical Combat Radio. [HL3567]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanBowman aims to provide a tactical combat radio communications system to replace Clansman, which has been in service since the mid-70s.
To deliver this project, we have been working with Archer Communication Systems Ltd (ACSL), as our preferred supplier. ACSL has improved in recent months, but we have concluded that its proposal (submitted to us on 23 June) would not represent best value for money. We have, therefore, decided to hold a competition to meet the Bowman requirement. Through competition, we shall seek to achieve the best combination of performance, cost and timely delivery into service. The competition will offer substantial opportunities for participation for UK industry.