This very practical two-day workshop analyses the content and implications of key MoD terms and conditions of contract. The programme explains the principles and terminology of the contractual aspects of defence procurement as well as considering a number of relevant policies and initiatives. The course covers key components, constructs and methodologies associated with any commercial venture entered into with the UK MoD.
Starting at the MoD organisational level the workshop sets the scene by looking at the acquisition process and organisation, detailing the various roles and responsibilities of MoD personnel. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of MoD DEFCONs and many narrative terms, setting them in the context of the organisation and its structures. The workshop helps participants to gain an understanding of the content and purpose of the range of MoD DEFCONs and narrative conditions commonly used throughout the acquisition lifecycle. It includes a review of Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 regarding Single Source Pricing, which comes into effect in 2015 and is already starting to be applied to significant contracts.
On completion of this programme the participants will understand the terminology associated with the MoD terms and conditions of contract and will have an accurate view of their relevance, usage and their legal basis and how they can affect contractual and commercial decision-making. They will have gained an insight into defence acquisition contracting and they will be more commercially aware.
DAY ONE
1 The commercial environment
Key roles and responsibilities of the MoD organisations at the heart of the acquisition process
2 Tendering to MoD
An appraisal of some of the obligations placed upon contractors when they are submitting a proposal to the MoD pre-contract
3 Standardised contracting
MoD have introduced non-negotiable standardised contracts for certain levels of procurement. This section considers their use and relevance to defence contracting
4 Pricing, profit, post-costing and payment
The parameters specific to a costing structure and the differences between competitive and non-competitive bidding
The role of the QMAC, the profit formula, the requirements for equality of information and post-costing
Different types of pricing and issues surrounding payment
5 Defence Reform Act - Single Source Pricing
Single Source Pricing under Part 2 of the new Defence Reform Act
Changes from the existing position, how contractors are affected and the compliance regime that accompanies the new requirements
6 Delivery and acceptance
Specific requirements and the significance and impact of failing to meet them
Acceptance plans
Non-performance and the remedies that may be applied by the Customer - breach of contract, liquidated damages and force majeure
DAY TWO
7 Protection of information and IPR
Contractor's and MoD's rights to own and use information
How to identify background and foreground intellectual property
Technical information and copyright in documentation and software
How to protect IPR at the various stages of the bidding and contracting process
8 Defence Transformation and Defence Commercial Directorate
Widening and increasing roles and functions of the Defence Commercial Directorate
Background to the Defence Reform Act 2014
9 Legal requirements
Terms used in MoD contracts to reflect basic legal requirements
Records and materials required for MOD contracts and therefore the obligations, responsibilities and liabilities that a company undertakes when it accepts these conditions
Overseas activities
10 Subcontracting and flowdown
Understanding the constructs required by the MoD for subcontracting
Which terms must be flowed down to the subcontractor and which are discretionary
11 Termination
Termination of a contract for default
Termination for convenience
How to optimise the company's position on termination
12 Warranties and liabilities
Obligations and liabilities a company might incur and how they might be mitigated
MoD policy on indemnities and limits of liability
13 Electronic contracting environment
Electronic forms of contracting
Progress toward a fully electronic contracting environment