The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is simplifying its tender process and targeting UK SME manufacturers as part of a commitment to boost the economy, writes Supply Management. In its Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, the MoD made a commitment to enhance its contribution to the UK’s economic prosperity, including maximising procurement opportunities for SMEs. It will will include new requirements in contracts to provide more information and visibility on critical supply chains, and set social value criteria and environmental considerations.
Lieutenant general Richard Wardlaw, chief of defence logistics & support for the MoD, said it would publish a fresh SME Action Plan to set out how the department would maximise opportunities for small businesses.
“When it comes to supply chains it is important that we ensure that they are resilient to shocks and threats and that we can have appropriate confidence in their ability to deliver,” he said.
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