EU DEFENCE & SECURITY PROCUREMENT DIRECTIVE 2009/81/EC

MOD Public Consultation on the Approach to Implementation

On 11 December 2009, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced the first of two public consultations on the new EU Defence & Security Procurement Directive. The consultation will run until 10 March 2010.

The Consultation Document, Response Form and associated Directives can be found on the MOD website - click here

The Directive heralds a major change in public procurement when it becomes law in the UK in August 2011. It will introduce new procurement rules for contracting authorities/entities, aimed at opening up the European defence and security market. This will have many important implications for companies supplying into the UK and European defence and security markets, and it is suggested that A|D|S Member companies familiarise themselves with the Directive's provisions.

Implementation of the new Directive is mandatory in all EU Member States. However some elements are optional and in the UK MOD is seeking stakeholders' views on the provisions over which Member States have some discretion.

Once feedback has been analysed and the results collated, MOD will consider the responses and then publish a summary later in 2010 as part of a second round of consultation.

Responses to the first round of consultation should be submitted to MOD by letter, fax, or (preferably) email no later than 10 March 2010.

A working group has been set up under the National Defence Industries Council Commercial Policy Steering Group and Security & Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC) to examine the implementation of the Directive and co-ordinate industry input to the public consultation. For further information contact Tim.Martin@adsgroup.org.uk, Tel: 01428 607608.