Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Command Paper Refresh, published on 18 July 2023, how his Department plans to implement the new maximum timescale for procurement projects of three and five years.
Answer
When proposing selection of a preferred solution to the appropriate approving authority, all programmes will be required to consider what opportunities are available to accelerate delivery of capability to the front-line within these timescales. This includes consideration of off the shelf solutions and the use of spiral development. More complex programmes, such as those that are part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will take longer.