Firearms Make Safe Training

The 2024 market engagement identified no other suppliers with the specialist expertise, accredited instructors, operational credibility, facilities, and capability required to deliver a bespoke Firearms Make Safe training package that meets Border Force's operational requirements and represents value for money. The Royal Armouries has an established track record of successfully delivering this highly specialised training, with proven understanding of Border Force's operational environment, enabling consistency, quality assurance, and continuity of capability. Existing commercial frameworks were also assessed but do not provide a suitable route, as they either do not include suppliers capable of delivering this niche requirement or do not adequately accommodate the bespoke scope, specialist facilities, and tailored learning outcomes required. Conducting a full competitive tender would therefore be unlikely to generate meaningful competition, while introducing additional time, cost, mobilisation risk, and potential disruption to the continuity of critical operational training without a proportionate benefit. Consequently, a direct award represents the most proportionate and effective approach to securing this specialist service while maintaining operational resilience and delivering value for money.