U.K. Ministry of Defence: Transformation of Defence Acquisition

The UK Ministry of Defence decided to transform its defence procurement organisation and processes. The initiative fed into the wider UK Defence industrial strategy (DIS) – a key programme designed to harmonise MOD and supply chain objectives and practices. It was also aligned with the Defence acquisition reform programme, which aimed to transform the internal MOD organisation, processes and culture.

Challenge
The UK Ministry of Defence invited A.T. Kearney to support the initiative. The challenge was to create structures and processes to oversee the portfolio of defence projects, while also supporting effective decision-making.

Approach
Our work involved assessing decision-making processes, developing procurement best practice benchmarks across sectors, and defining key principles for managing complex acquisition programmes. We also assisted in developing a “central repository” of best practices for those in MOD involved in defence acquisition, and developed a cross-functional operating framework for governance, finance and contracting. The new MOD acquisition organisation would have to support the programme office and internal MOD groups tasked with implementing the changes.

In the course of this work, we delivered a wide range of consulting services, including:

• Acquisition and procurement support
• Complex programme management
• Best practice benchmarking
• Transformation and change management

Results
In the course of this work, we delivered a wide range of consulting services, including:

• Acquisition and procurement support
• Complex programme management
• Best practice benchmarking
• Transformation and change management