HOCSCM800014/7-1 - Professional Legal Services - VTN

Extend the extant Legal Services Contract with Linklaters LLP for the provision of Professional Legal Services for the Type 26 Programme for a duration of 5 years.

The Secretary of State for Defence intends to extend the extant Legal Services Contract with Linklaters LLP for the provision of Professional Legal Services for the Type 26 Programme for a duration of 5 years. The estimated value of the amendment is £1,461,136.

In accordance with regulation 4 of the Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 as amended (in particular by SI 2019/697 and SI 2020/1450). Prior publication of a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate. It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (as required by the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 for technical reasons.

The Authority currently operates CONTRACT NO SHIPACQ036 - MANUFACTURE PHASE CONTRACT RELATING TO THE TYPE 26 PROGRAMME. Linklaters LLP is the current provider of the services required to manage the Type 26 programme and as such they have the knowledge and expertise to provide a continuing service. The Authority’s view is that Linklaters LLP are the only providers who can provide the continuity & expertise required because as the sole provider of legal services to Type 26 since the beginning of this complex contract, only Linklaters LLP has the appropriate expertise, knowledge and appreciation of the extensive understanding of the services required concerning the Programme and can provide continuity without any disruption. Utilising another provider will be detrimental to the Authority, as there would be an unacceptable burden with an alternative provider having to take time & build their competency & knowledge of the contract before they can provide help. With the pressing nature of the risks & support the programme needs at this crucial time in T26; the Authority cannot afford to expose ourselves to these additional risks of time & effort & can rightly mitigate through extending the extant Linklaters LLP contract.