12 January 2006

New weapon system availability contract goes to DML Group

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a 10 year prime contract worth around £30 million to defence support specialist DML Group, for Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) support, with effect from 1 January 2006.

The contract, based on providing availability of the 36 Phalanx systems throughout their duration on board ship, is significantly different to previous support arrangements and will result in notable benefits in system availability. DML is incentivised under the contract to maintain a high degree of system integrity and reduce downtime and will be measured against key performance indicators on a monthly basis, and reviewed annually.

The new contract encompasses all support activities and includes provision of logistics support. DML has undertaken major overhauls of Phalanx systems and equipment repairs to the electrical, electronic and mechanical sub-systems since 1994, and has provided engineering and technical support when required. Under the new contract DML will manage and execute all upkeep support activities and will provide a 24/7 helpdesk service to the Royal Navy, supplying a point of contact for front-line maintainers and operators to resolve any technical problems arising.

The helpdesk, designed to reduce the delay in identifying and resolving system problems, is one of a number of initiatives aimed at early identification of defects with a view to minimising system damage and consequent downtime.

With responsibility for logistics support for spares and repairable units under the new contract, DML takes on all procurement and provisioning decisions for Phalanx depot and ship stores, including quantities and items needed to meet the availability requirements.

Commenting on the contract win DML weapons business manager Bob Ryles said it was good news for both DML and the MoD. "This is a long term arrangement that will provide the Navy with an appropriate level of

support for a very complex weapon system," he said. "DML's investment in the Phalanx programme has been consistent and significant over the last ten years. Winning this contract is a credit to the team who have worked hard and have cultivated the extensive technical and engineering knowledge and ability to make this important and significant step."

DML has already started work on preparing the next three Phalanx systems to be fitted to HMS Ocean in 2007, and is currently working on three Phalanx systems to be fitted to HMS Ark Royal later this year.