MOD briefs industry on Strategic Business Partner requirements

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), theMinistry Of Defence’s property and services provider, welcomed over 110 representatives from industry to a special event setting out what DIO would want from a Strategic Business Partner.

Held in London yesterday (Mon), the industry day formed part of the current procurement exercise being used to test whether bringing a Strategic Business Partner into DIO offers the best value for money solution for Defence.

Hosted by DIO’s Director of Business Partnering Dr David Marsh, the event featured presentations by senior managers from across the organisation. It was attended by representatives from over 60 companies.

Delegates got the opportunity to find out more about DIO’s Transformation programme and gain a better understanding of the organisation and the challenges ahead.

The MOD wants to create a sustainable, efficient and professional organisation at the best cost to the taxpayer. The ongoing procurement exercise aims to do that and could help transform DIO into a world-class public sector infrastructure delivery organisation.

Dr David Marsh said:

“I am delighted at the response we got from industry and the day was a great success. Feedback from delegates indicates that the event provided a valuable opportunity to learn more about DIO and what we would need from a Strategic Business Partner.

“The event represents another significant step forward in the Defence Infrastructure Transformation Programme (DITP). DITP will help deliver the support our Armed Forces need at the best value for money.

“It helps us further consider whether a Strategic Business Partner can help us continue, and build upon, the transformation programme that we have already made significant progress on in the DIO since its creation following the SDSR.”

The procurement process follows a successful ‘soft market testing’ exercise conducted earlier this year, which sought industry’s views and feedback on potential future business models. It is hoped to shortlist up to four potential Strategic Business Partners by the end of the summer.

The decision to appoint a Strategic Business Partner will be subject to DIO obtaining the Departmental and HM Treasury necessary approvals, demonstrating it is the best value for money option, and meeting any legislative requirements.

Andrew Manley, Chief Executive, DIO, said:

“Since DIO was formed last year we have been at the forefront of the wider reform going on across this Department. During that time we have achieved a significant amount and I believe a Strategic Business Partner could take DIO another step closer to becoming a world-class public sector infrastructure delivery organisation.”

Ends

Further information:

Press enquiries to: Tony Moran, DIO Press Office: 0121 311 3879 or tony.moran572@mod.uk

DIO website: www.mod.uk/dio

Notes to editors

1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.

2. Our work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, our heritage is protected and to achieve our environmental goals.

3. DIO was formed on 1 April 2011 when the former Defence Estates (DE) organisation was brought together with other property and infrastructure functions within Department to form a single organisation. DIO manages the MOD’s property infrastructure and ensures strategic management of the Defence estate as a whole.

4. DIO is responsible for the management and delivery of the MOD’s infrastructure both in the UK and abroad. Since its formation in April 2011, following the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), and in line with the changes recommended in Lord Levene’s Defence Reform Report, DIO has embarked on a transformation journey that will run for a number of years.

5. The Defence Infrastructure Transformation Programme (DITP) seeks to determine both the future operating model and the most appropriate corporate structure for DIO. It is a key pillar of the Transforming Defence agenda, which will deliver the Future Force 2020 structure set out in the SDSR, supported by a smaller, capable and flexible Department, within the resources available for Defence.

6. An invitation to tender notice to become DIO’s Strategic Business Partner was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). It includes a questionnaire which will be used to assess the technical capability and capacity, and the financial and economic strengths of organisations interested in bidding. Further information is available in the Preliminary Information Memorandum at www.ojeu.com

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