Fingers in Pies

[CoffmanStarter]

The overhauled and new-look facilities at HMS Temeraire – the Royal Navy’s school of physical training – were formally opened by the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Matt Parr.

The £600,000 makeover to the Grade II-listed ‘Old Gymnasium’ was carried out by BAE Systems and includes upgrades to the 5 championship squash courts, a new cardiovascular suite, an impressive glass-fronted entrance, and new offices and reception area.

OK ... Just seen this press release from the MOD. Having then had a quick look at BAE Systems corporate web site under "what we do" there is no indication that BAE possess experience or expertise in the field of providing Fitness/Gym facilities ?

Clearly it's not possible to evaluate the value BAE have brought to the proposition from the limited information provided ... but you would have thought that one of the recognised suppliers to the fitness industry would have been better equipped to deliver ? Added to which I assume BAE would have needed to source gym equipment from such suppliers ...

Seems a bit silly really if the MOD is really serious about addressing current procurement inefficiencies.

MOD RN Sports Facilities (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/upgraded-royal-navy-sports-facilities-unveiled)

Coff.

[SOSL]

Hi, Coff. I can see what you're getting at, but BAE Systems will have employed a raft of sub-contractors, with appropriate skills, on this project.

In this sort of project, the most important thing is to select a prime contractor with a good track record of successful project delivery and value for money.

That must have been why BAE Systems were selected.......oh hang on a minute!

Rgds SOS

[Biggus]

Why did it need an "impressive glass-fronted entrance"?

Was that the most cost effective design, with the lowest operating cost (i.e. most heat efficient)? Or the one that looked the most impressive in the architects drawings?

After all - we're broke!!!

[Runaway Gun]

Glass was a cost saving (they wanted Mirrors).

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks SOSL ...

In civvy street (as you probably know) this kind of operation is known as "Body Shopping" and generally is not the most efficient/economical way of managing/delivering projects. Usually you find this approach being adopted by organisations that are relatively immature in terms of directly sourcing/managing efficient procurement. My worry is that with the MOD declaring an intention of going further down this road that precious financial resources are consumed unnecessarily.

Additionally, it's not just about signing the deal/shaking hands ... Skilful vendor selection, contract negotiation, supplier risk and performance management are an absolute necessity ... ignore at your peril ... be it bombs, aircraft bits or gym kit !

As a former COO for a global IT Organisation I know only too well how important it is to get the model right :ok:

NO ... I don't want the job !

Best ...

Coff.

[dragartist]

Don't tell anyone but the rowing machines and Bicycles have generators that are hooked up to the National Grid. Therby costs are offset. the scheme actually provides an income stream. Its now a profit centre with gainshare divided 98% to BAE 1% to MoD and 1% to Sharkies Benevolant Fund!

[OutlawPete]

In this day and age MOD should be sharp about who they contract projects out to. Let's face it, there have been some disasters in the past. If BAE Systems are sub contracting then what do MOD know about who is actually doing the work they give them and why is there an unnecessary (and costly) middle man in the deal (in this case BAe).



Additionally, it's not just about signing the deal/shaking hands ... Skilful vendor selection, contract negotiation, supplier risk and performance management are an absolute necessity ... ignore at your peril ... be it bombs, aircraft bits or gym kit !


Correct, not forgetting the all important credit checks. It wouldn't be the first for a company to disappear under taking taxpayers dough with it.


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[Sun Who]

Have there been any complaints about the time it took to undertake the work, the cost of the refurbishment or the quality of the new installation? If so, let's hear 'em - if not, then the RN have a new, modern club-swinging facility and we should all be happy.
I don't see the value in looking for gripes where there aren't any, there are enough crap procurement decisions being made without having to look for more.

Sun.

[OutlawPete]

I don't think there is any harm in questioning the thought process behind how MOD contracts are awarded. Remember a certain firm contracted to carry out 25 FI modifications to the F3 fleet and the resultant grounding of 16 airframes, which if allowed to have gone on could have had serious capability repercussions for us at that time.

PR Newswire UK: TORNADO SETTLEMENT INADEQUATE, SAYS CAMPBELL (http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tornado-settlement-inadequate-says-campbell-156310755.html)


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[CoffmanStarter]

OPete ... You are correct ... Initial and ongoing credit/financial viabilty checks of a vendor comes under Supplier Risk Mangement in the model I outline above

lets hope the MOD get it right going forward ...

[dervish]

A project manager friend tells me there is a standard "access to sub-contractors" clause in MoD, but woe betide the person who invokes it because MoD policy is now to select the prime contractor and stand back saying "Its up to them what they do." Doesn't sound sensible to me.

[VX275]

there is no indication that BAE possess experience or expertise in the field of providing Fitness/Gym facilities ?


You seem to assume that BAE Systems is somehow interested in the aviation industry, when everyone knows that for years its been property development that makes them their money. Re-development of a gymnasium is just about all they're good for these days.

[Wensleydale]

Re-development of a gymnasium is just about all they're good for these
days


Does this mean that BAE Sys also have exclusive use for the Vaulting Horse POW-Camp Escape Equipment contract?

[dkh51250]

To their credit BAE were involved with the refurbishment of a hangar at Cottesmore, but, had their hands tied to a certain extent by DIO. The wing bay, constructed by BAE, had hardly any DIO involvement and was completed in record time.

No, I have never been employed by BAE.

[Alpha Whiskey]

Errrr - BAE Systems have the contract for facilities provision/management in the Portsmouth area, so perhaps that's why they were involved? Contract is known as FOAP.

[dkh51250]

Errrrr Cottesmore is 170 miles North of the "Portsmouth area" where BAE have the facilities contract.

[INT ZKJ]

So did BAE take this old building and put some new wings onto it………where did they get that idea from??


(hope they measured up properly!!):oh: