HL Deb 09 December 2004 vol 667 cc45-6WA
Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy with regard to developing, in respect of major defence procurement projects, "trade-offs" between: (a) meeting user requirements and containing or preventing cost and time over-runs; and (b) providing the Armed Forces with equipment which is satisfactory on coming into service. [HL11]

Lord Bach

The department's policy is to encourage and empower integrated project teams (IPTs) with their clients to make trade-off decisions to balance performance, time and cost in order to maximise military value. IPTs implement trade-offs in concert with their equipment capability customer and other stakeholders, including representatives of the end user.

In light of findings from the Defence Procurement Agency's stocktake of Smart acquisition, the department is developing more detailed guidance and identifying good practice with respect to trade-offs. These improvements are being implemented as part of the DPA Forward initiative.