Further to the reply to written question 37231 (2026), was an exemption or opt-out from open advertising relied on for the closed tender process involving six shipyards that preceded the shipbuilding contract; if so, which rule, on what date was it approved, and by whom?

Answer

The Treasury recommended this process be followed on the basis that a closed tender process is standard in ship procurement. The Government made widely publicised statements about the process, resulting in very strong interest from Shipyards. It would be absurd to suggest this process did not permit a wide tendering proess given 41 shipyards were invited to participate, 15 submitted tendered, six were thoroughly assessed and one was finally selected through the three-stage procurement process.