The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) oversees the regulatory framework for single source (non-competitive) defence contracts, which places pricing controls on qualifying contracts and requires transparency on the part of defence contractors.
Our purpose is to support and improve the operation of the regulatory framework and to assist the organisations who must apply it to do so as effectively as possible.
Through the delivery of our statutory functions we aim to ensure that good value for money is obtained in government expenditure on qualifying defence contracts and that contractors are paid a fair and reasonable price under those contracts.
The SSRO plays a key role in supporting the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts established by Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 (the Act) and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 (the Regulations). We aim to provide the SSRO’s stakeholders with an overview of the guidance the SSRO issues for use by the Secretary of State for Defence and the parties to contracts which are regulated under this framework. It sets out:
- the guidance the SSRO provides and the basis for doing so;
- how we develop and review our guidance, including how we engage with stakeholders to ensure our guidance is fit for purpose;
- how we promote understanding of our guidance; and
- how we measure our performance in providing guidance to inform ongoing improvements in our approach.
The Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS) allows contractors to meet the reporting requirements for contract and supplier reports.
The Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS, the system) is an online, web-enabled system which facilitates submission of statutory reports to the SSRO and MOD. When preparing reports, contractors must have regard to guidance issued by the SSRO.
The regulatory framework specifies how contracts that meet the requirements for being qualifying defence contracts (QDCs) or qualifying sub-contracts (QSCs) must be priced.
The SSRO’s functions include giving guidance on each of this aspect of the regulatory framework and providing an annual assessment to the Secretary of State on the appropriate rates to use in determining contract profit. Our guidance plays an important role in supporting MOD personnel and contractors to apply the regulatory framework and realise the benefits the Act and Regulations seek to achieve.
The SSRO provides support to the MOD and defence contractors in relation to the regulatory framework established by the Defence Reform Act 2014 and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014. The SSRO’s support is designed to:
- inform people about the regulatory framework, the role of the SSRO and aspects of its work, such as guidance, compliance reviews and referrals;
- assist contractors to submit reports required under the regulatory framework and apply the SSRO’s guidance; and
- help the MOD and contractors to use the Defence Contracts Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS).
Our helpdesk provides ongoing support to contractors and the MOD. It operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding UK bank holidays. It can be contacted on 020 3771 4785 or by email at helpdesk@ssro.gov.uk. We can also arrange online video calls via Microsoft Teams.
We answer most helpdesk queries within 1 or 2 working days and aim to respond to all queries within a maximum of 5 working days.
The SSRO may be asked to give a formal opinion or make a legally binding determination on matters related to the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts in circumstances set out in the Defence Reform Act 2014 and Single Source Contract Regulations 2014.
The SSRO has published guides to the procedures it will follow when giving an opinion or making a determination on matters referred to it. The guidance for each type of referral provides details of:
- the requirements for making a referral to the SSRO;
- the criteria that the SSRO will apply to determine whether to accept a referral;
- the process the SSRO follows at each stage when giving an opinion or making a determination; and
- the roles and expectations of all parties throughout the process.
Anyone intending to make a referral to the SSRO should contact us via referrals@ssro.gov.uk or 020 3771 4785 to discuss the requirements for referrals.
A party seeking an opinion or determination from the SSRO may find it helpful to complete the SSRO’s Referral submission template.