Vickers Signs Unique Framework Agreement With The Ministry Of Defence
;Vickers Defence Systems (VDS) announces that it has signed a ground breaking framework agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is the development of a long term partnering and business arrangement to support the Vickers Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) which it supplies to the British Army. ;The agreement provides the baseline from which the MOD and VDS can jointly develop projects to reduce the MOD's cost of ownership and improve equipment availability whilst providing long term continuity of work and expanded services for VDS. This agreement directly reflects the SMART procurement initiatives announced in last year's Strategic Defence Review. ;The first development from the framework agreement, CRISP (ChallengeR Innovative Spares Procurement) is already well underway. CRISP, if agreed, will provide the field Army with the direct supply of Challenger 2 consumable spares and include the provisioning, procurement, storage and distribution of all non-repairable parts. The initial contract will be for seven years, but if demanding cost and performance targets are met the contract will be extended to cover the full in-service life of Challenger 2. When Challenger 2 is fully deployed the contract could be worth £10 million a year. ;The CRISP programme will reduce lead times and current stock holding for the British Army and improve availability. The agreement will develop the aftersales service element of Vickers business and will enable Vickers as Prime Contractor for Challenger 2 to maintain the stringent standards of reliability previously set by the MOD. This contract could also pave the way for future work with the Challenger 2 fleet. ;Chief Executive of Vickers Defence Systems, Colin Clark CBE commented, "As Design Authority for Challenger 2 Vickers is perfectly placed to work with the MoD towards a more cost effective and streamlined approach to the supply of spares." ;Commenting on the agreement Maj. Gen. Besgrove CBE, Director General Equipment Support (Army), said, "This agreement will help the British Army to maintain and further develop the close relationship we have with Vickers and also to continue the excellent work already carried out on Challenger 2".
Background Notes : The lifetime of Challenger 2 is estimated to be between 25 and 30 years. ;Vickers products include the new British Army main battle tank, Challenger 2; the Challenger 2E Main Battle Tank for export markets; the BR90 tactical modular bridging system and a comprehensive range of training aids and simulators. ;Vickers Defence Systems is part of the Vickers group of companies. Vickers plc is a UK based international engineering company with products which command global leadership in specialist markets with growth potential. The Groups principal activities are land defence systems and equipment, marine propulsion systems and motion control equipment, superalloys and components for the gas turbine and automotive industries.
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Vickers Signs Unique Framework Agreement With The Ministry Of Defence
