Consultation on proposed changes to guidance on opinions and determinations

The Defence Reform Act 2014 and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 establish the grounds and circumstances on which the SSRO may be asked to give an opinion or to make a determination in relation to a qualifying defence contract (QDC) or qualifying sub-contract (QSC), or a proposed QDC or QSC.

The SSRO first published guidance on its processes for opinions and determinations in 2015 with an update in 2016.

The two guidance documents are intended to assist parties who seek either an opinion or a determination from the SSRO, or who become involved in such a request. We have reviewed this guidance based on our experience of carrying out our statutory functions, stakeholder feedback and regulatory good practice.

The SSRO is now consulting publicly on proposed revisions to the opinions and determinations guidance. Significant changes are shown in blue text. The Consultation Document sets out a summary of key changes in the documents. The guidance covers:

• the circumstances in which the SSRO may give an opinion or make a determination;
• how to refer matters to the SSRO;
• timescales; and
• the processes from early engagement through to publication of a decision.

Responses can be by letter or completing the consultation form, in hard copy or electronic form (preferred) by 5pm Friday 25 January 2019. A proposed timetable for publishing final guidance and specific consultation questions is included in paragraphs 1.15 to 1.17 of the stakeholder consultation document.