8 June 2006

DML comments on Sonar 2054(IR) contract award

Commenting on the Sonar 2054(IR) contract award, DML Group’s Head of Defence Systems, Dr Ben Dobson expressed disappointment at not being selected, but was pleased at the interest stimulated by the company’s business model to engage the SME community. He said:

“DML has been disappointed to learn that it has not been selected as the preferred contractor for the forthcoming S2054 In-Board Replacement programme. We had established a team of sonar specialists bringing together experience from the successful US Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion (ARC-I) programme through General Dynamics, Ultra Electronics, and a group of SMEs including Ashdown Lafferty Systems, Kaon, Advansys and J& S Marine. The assembly of an SME community reflected the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) view that they bring levels of flexibility, agility and innovation that are urgently needed to deliver improved military capability at an affordable price. Throughout the bidding phase DML has operated a virtual project environment across the team. This involved the use of the DML Shared Data Environment, with all companies having access to a restricted LAN that would have formed the data highway for communications with the MoD customer.

“Whilst the DML solution was judged more expensive than that of the selected contractor, the overall technical solution was rated as excellent. This clearly demonstrates that the team structure of a “thin” Platform System Integrator, supported by a range of specialist SMEs, provides a highly credible alternative to the traditional Prime Equipment supplier. Discussions have already been stimulated by MoD to examine ways in which this industrial teaming model can be consolidated and taken forward to address future opportunities associated with the moves towards COTS, Open Systems and the Common Core Combat System. The DIS made much of the skills and competences of the SME community that must be developed to underpin the delivery of more affordable military capability, both at initial procurement and though life.

“The DML solution was aimed at capitalising on the wealth of expertise that resides within the UK SMEs as well as importing the vital lessons that have been learned from the US experiences in undertaking similar programmes. We believe that this would have evolved into a much broader and more accessible sonar community within the UK. Recognising that sonar systems are viewed as an essential Sovereign capability it is disappointing that the first post-DIS contract of significance in the maritime domain appears to have procured a system firmly based in the US.”