There remains an ongoing requirement to provide In-Service Support for Joint Service Aircrew Headsets, MK10 helmet communications equipment and associated spares, together with the UKStratCom Tactical Systems Close Combat Communication Hearing Protection System (CC CHPS) used by the Army. This equipment is essential to support operational and training activities and continues to be widely used across Defence. Support is currently provided through the existing Invisio Communications contract (708493450), which expires on 30 September 2026. Continued support is required to maintain equipment availability and ensure uninterrupted access to equipment, spares, and technical support.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award DE&S Deca, on behalf of the Support Capabilities and Commodities (SCC) Team within the UK Ministry of Defence (the Authority), intends to award a direct contract to Invisio Communications Ltd for the supply of Aircrew Communications Equipment components and spares for headset repairs. This contract will also cover the provision of spares and post-design services (PDS) support for Crewgard and Combat headsets on behalf of UKSTRATCOM. The headsets in question are legacy components dating back to 2003. Invisio Communications Ltd is the sole supplier capable of manufacturing and repairing these headsets. Due to the complexity of their integration and the extensive testing required, the Ministry of Defence cannot ensure the conformity of spares sourced from alternative suppliers. Use of non-original parts could result in degraded equipment performance, potentially leading to noise-induced hearing loss or loss of situational awareness, with serious safety implications. The contract will have a duration of three years, with an option to extend for a further three years (1+1+1), and is expected to commence in January 2027. It will provide continuous support for spares, repairs, and post-design services. The proposed contract value is £7,000,000.00 (Seven million pounds) (excluding VAT). It is anticipated to be a Qualifying Defence Contract. The Authority considers that the direct award of this non-competitive contract is justified under the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023, Schedule 5, Paragraph 6(a) and (b), which state: • (a) Due to technical reasons, only a particular supplier is able to supply the required goods, services, or works; and • (b) There are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services, or works. Invisio Communications Ltd, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and design authority, possesses the exclusive technical expertise necessary to manufacture and supply the required spares for the repair of Aircrew Communications and helmets. Formerly known as RACAL, Invisio’s headsets are currently in service across multiple platforms, each requiring Military Aviation Authority (MAA) certification for safety. Repairs and maintenance must be conducted using official Invisio parts to maintain certification compliance. Invisio has supported and maintained this equipment for over ten years and holds the specialist skills, experience, proprietary technical knowledge, documentation, and test equipment essential to fulfilling this requirement. No other supplier has access to this critical information or capability, making Invisio uniquely qualified to provide this support.