ASE Aircrew Eyewear · UK public procurement notice

Single Suppliers Intellectual Property Exclusive Rights; Single Suppliers Technical Reasons; Additional Repeat Extension Partial Replacement; Defence Security Operational

The Air Enablers Delivery Team (AEDT) within Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the UK Ministry of Defence, (the “Authority”) intends to award an extension contract to ASE Corporate Eyecare ) Limited (“ASE”) for the continued provision of aircrew refractive vision correction products and associated ophthalmic services.

The proposed contract has an estimated value of £1,2000,000 (one million two hundred thousand pounds) (inclusive of VAT) and a duration of approximately 12 (twelve) months (to expire no later than 31 March 2027).

This procurement falls to be governed by the Procurement Act 2023 (the “PA 2023”) Chapter 3, Section 41: Direct Award in Special Cases. It is considered that direct award of the proposed contract is lawful in accordance with the PA 2023 Schedule 5 paragraph 6(a)(b) which relates to an absence of competition for technical reasons for the following reasons.

There is an absence of competition for technical reasons as no other supplier (other than ASE) is able to supply the required aircrew refractive vision correction products and associated ophthalmic services. The requirement includes the supply of Swiss Flex Classic spectacles and contact lenses together with clinical fitting, adjustment and aftercare services. These goods and services form an integrated, in-service solution supporting a safety-critical defence capability.

Swissflex Classic, has been cleared for use on all airborne platforms and is the only frame cleared for use by Aircrew due to its unique click in-connection. The Swiss Flex eyewear system is a proprietary solution that has been rigorously assessed, certified and cleared within the Military Air Environment (MAE). It is technically integrated with other in-service equipment, including aircrew helmets, visors and life-support systems, and is the only eyewear solution currently approved for use by Fast Jet, Rotary Wing and Multi Engine aircrew. service equipment, including aircrew helmets, visors and life support systems

ASE is the only supplier who holds the necessary rights and technical capability to supply compatible replacement items and ongoing clinical support for the required Swiss Flex Classic spectacle’s and contact lenses.