GovWire

The report examines the timeliness and quality of reports submitted to the SSROs Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS) for qualifying defence contracts and qualifying sub-contracts entered into between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022. The report finds that, while there has been a steady increase in the volume of information collected within DefCARS, the overall timeliness and quality of submissions made by contractors remains below our KPI targets. The report also considers the utilisation of this information by the MOD. We found that just over 50 per cent of submissions are accessed by the MOD, but that low numbers have been formally reviewed within the system.

Based upon the report findings, we have identified recommendations to improve reporting and support the use of the data within the regime.

The regulatory framework for single source defence contracts is established by Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 and requires contractors to submit a range of statutory reports to the MOD and the SSRO.