Defence infrastructure

• Engineering, infrastructure, construction and maintenance of defence support facilities including naval bases, barracks and living accommodation;
• Contracts for design and procurement of equipment and systems;
• Transactional and disputes advice on the commercial regulatory environment in the defence sector.

We combine sector knowledge with legal expertise in the procurement of infrastructure and engineering industries to ensure we aim to help our clients succeed in delivering vital defence facilities, products and systems.

The sector is characterised by close budgetary scrutiny including sector specific contracting legislation, policies and practices all of which can lead to challenging commercial conditions for contracting, tendering and responding to Request For Proposals (RFPs).

We bring an understanding of the regulatory environment, defence contract conditions and the needs and drivers of contractors within the sector and the Ministry of Defence as ultimate customer, helping our clients to find mutually beneficial solutions and build strong and constructive relationships.

We also help to develop innovative contracting arrangements, including practical incentivisation structures and flexible contracting models such as collaboration, partnering and alliancing to meet our clients’ evolving needs.

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• Acting for a major defence contractor in the negotiation of a large-scale framework contract, valued at circa £1bn, for a series of critical defence infrastructure projects. Our subsequent involvement including preparing multiple supply chain frameworks for programme delivery, including both competed and single source award.

• Acting for a major defence contractor in relation to professional services contracts (and associated collaborative multiparty arrangements) for two strategically significant engineering projects collectively valued in excess of £150m.

• Advising a FTSE 250 contractor on the application of the Defence Reform Act and Single Source Contracting Regulations to NEC forms of contract.