Government selects Detica for integration of foreign affairs services contract
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has named BAE Systems Detica as the preferred bidder for a six-year IT service integration and management contract, potentially worth up to £80 million. This marks a significant milestone for BAE Systems Detica and the UK government's ongoing efforts to streamline IT procurement and improve service outcomes.
The contract, which is the first Service Integration and Management (SIAM) contract a UK government department has brought to market, will see BAE Systems Detica managing all of the FCO's IT suppliers worldwide. The company will be responsible for improving and maintaining the continuity of critical systems, with a focus on achieving dynamic resilience in the FCO's IT infrastructure across the globe.
Being chosen as the preferred bidder by the FCO signals that BAE Systems Detica meets high standards of security, technical capability, and service integration expertise, which is critical for government IT infrastructure. The contract reflects a long-term commitment, enabling continuous improvement, innovation, and stability in FCO IT services.
The UK government has been focusing on streamlining IT procurement through a small number of trusted suppliers to enhance efficiency, security, and integration across departments. There is also an emphasis on value for money, reducing supplier fragmentation, and improving service outcomes by selecting integrated service providers rather than multiple separate contractors.
Awarding this contract to BAE Systems Detica aligns with government efforts to maintain secure, integrated, and cost-effective IT service management within key departments like the FCO. The contract may also be used by other public bodies, such as the UK Border Agency, the British Council, and the Department for International Development.
In addition to this contract, BAE Systems Detica's Cyber and Intelligence division contributes significantly to BAE Systems' revenue. In 2012, revenue for this division grew by 16%, while BAE's combined sales shrank 7%. The company's strategy includes growing its positions in the cyber and intelligence services markets for governments.
Martin Sutherland, managing director of BAE Systems Detica, expects to sign the SIM contract formally with the FCO in the summer. Over the coming months, BAE Systems Detica plans to draw on the wider capability within BAE Systems, combining delivery management and security expertise with the proven processes of BAE Systems Shared Services' integrated service management team.
It is worth noting that the annual financial report of BAE Systems mentions the group's strategy to grow its positions in the cyber and intelligence services markets for governments. However, current search results do not cover this topic in detail, and it would be necessary to consult official UK government releases or BAE Systems' announcements for more specific information or confirmation.
This news highlights the growing importance of IT services for companies like BAE Systems and the increasing demand for integrated, secure, and cost-effective IT solutions in the public sector. The UK government's decision to award this contract to BAE Systems Detica underscores the company's capabilities and commitment to delivering high-quality IT services to key government departments.
- The contract, obtained by BAE Systems Detica from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), is significant as it involves managing all of the FCO's IT suppliers worldwide, emphasizing their responsibility for maintaining critical systems with a focus on achieving dynamic resilience in the FCO's IT infrastructure globally.
- The UK government's decision to award the monumental Service Integration and Management (SIAM) contract, worth up to £80 million, to BAE Systems Detica, demonstrates their commitment to securing integrated, cost-effective IT service management within key departments such as the FCO, while also underscoring the company's capabilities and dedication to delivering high-quality IT services.
