SSRO sets out recommendations to improve the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts
Published on 30 July 2026
The SSRO today published a set of recommendations to help improve the regulatory framework for non-competitive (single source) defence contracts. This framework governs some of the UK’s most strategically significant defence contracts. Since 2015, the single source regulatory framework has applied to contracts worth £140.1 billion. The SSRO aims through its work to ensure that […]
Annual qualifying defence contract statistics: 2025/26
Published on 28 July 2026
This annual publication includes analysis of all QDCs/QSCs between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2026. The SSRO was notified of 863 contracts that became QDCs/QSCs by 31 March 2026. This analysis is based on 798 contracts with submitted contract reports as at 30 April 2026. These 798 contracts are comprised of 666 QDCs and […]
Update on the SSRO Chair’s appointment term
Published on 22 July 2026
The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) has today confirmed that Hannah Nixon will step down as Chair at the end of her five-year term on 2 January 2027. Following a recruitment process for her successor, Hannah will work with the incoming Chair to ensure a smooth transition. During her tenure, Hannah has provided strong leadership […]
Corporate Plan 2026/27
Published on 20 July 2026
The SSRO’s Corporate Plan for 2026/27 sets a clear strategic focus for the SSRO in a changing environment. Through the exercise of our statutory functions we aim to ensure value for money is obtained in government expenditure on single source defence contracting and fair and reasonable prices for suppliers. The Plan reflects the broader defence […]
SSRO updates pricing guidance following Ministry of Defence reforms
Published on 1 June 2026
The SSRO has updated its pricing guidance following reforms announced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and invites your views. The guidance comes into effect on 5 June 2026. The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry announced reforms to the Single Source Contract Regulations on 14 May, in line with the Defence Industrial Strategy and […]
Stakeholder newsletter – May 2026
Published on 28 May 2026
This newsletter highlights the SSRO’s recent work to support stakeholders across the MOD and industry. Transcript of video Hello everyone – I’m John Russell, Chief Executive of the Single Source Regulations Office, and I have a brief update to share on how we’re supporting stakeholders across the Ministry of Defence and industry. In March, the […]
SSRO continues with its ‘free to access’ training on aspects of the UK regulatory framework for single source defence contracts
Published on 11 May 2026
The SSRO will hold its second teach-in session of 2026 on 10 June (online, via Teams), focusing on new guidance that helps contractors and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) amend the prices of qualifying contracts in a clear, transparent and efficient way. The teach-in will help attendees gain a better understanding of the guidance on […]
SSRO publishes new guidance to support amendments to qualifying defence contracts
Published on 11 May 2026
Most UK defence contracts awarded without competition fall under the Single Source Regulatory Framework, which is designed to ensure fair pricing and value for money. Price changes may arise where the scope of a contract changes, new work is added, or the costs or assumptions used to set the original price need to be updated. […]
Higher profit rate set for critical defence contracts as SSRO publishes analysis
Published on 13 March 2026
The Secretary of State for Defence has today (13 March 2026) confirmed the baseline profit rate that will apply for 2026/27, which will be used as the first-step in the process for agreeing the contract profit rate on critical defence contracts awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the absence of a competitive process. […]
SSRO training on qualifying sub-contract (QSC) guidance: publication of the presentation
Published on 12 February 2026
The SSRO’s approach to overseeing the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts is grounded in the principle of being a responsive and supportive regulator. By providing clear and accessible guidance on the regulatory framework, the SSRO helps the parties to non-competitive contracts to understand what is expected of them and safeguards value for money […]