Voluntary ex Ante Transparency Notice MOD Armed Forces Media Welfare Services

The Armed Forces Media Welfare Services are an MOD funded media and communications service produced, implemented, and maintained by an external provider; to deliver entertainment, unclassified information, and education to the UK Armed Forces community worldwide by means of audio and video content. It is a vital element in sustaining Operational Effectiveness by contributing to the morale and welfare of our personnel. The service maintains important links between deployed personnel and the home-base. It delivers key services to the Permanent Joint Operating Bases and those on Operations and home while promoting an understanding of Defence business.

Additional information: The Authority is intending to start negotiations with a single supplier (BFBS) for the provision of the Armed Forces Media Welfare Service with the intention of awarding a ten (10) year contract. The current intention is for the contract to be awarded on or before 1st April 2026. Due to BFBS's charitable status, and the unique nature of this requirement, BFBS is the only supplier who can offer this bespoke service. Due to the complexity of the requirement and the reliance on the relationships BFBS have with network providers and licence holders, the service BFBS can provide is unique and it is evident that no other supplier can provide the Authority's requirement.

Regulation 32 (2)(b)(ii) applies as competition is absent for technical reasons.