Mitie to Deliver Integrated Facilities Management Services at European British Overseas Bases

Mitie Defence Ltd has been awarded a new £150 million integrated facilities management contract in Germany and Italy by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), an operating arm of the UK Ministry of Defence.

Covering the MOD's military accommodation, as well as military and adventurous training sites in Germany and a school and office building in Italy, the contract primarily relates to hard facilities management including maintenance, repairs, and servicing, with a more limited focus on soft services including waste disposal and laundry services.

The contract is the third to come into operation under DIO’s new Overseas Prime Contracts Programme, and follows a contract that came into service in Gibraltar in November 2022 and a hard FM contract for sites in Cyprus which was awarded in April 2023.

The new contract takes effect from next spring and will run for an initial period of seven years, supporting companies within the local supply chains in both countries.

Brian Talbot, Managing Director, Central Government and Defence, Mitie, says: “As a British business, we are proud to support the UK Armed Forces in their crucial operations overseas, ensuring critical infrastructure is maintained and upgraded, and accommodation facilities are kept to a high standard to support the livelihoods of military personnel and their families.

Putting service families first is a high priority, which is why we are also introducing new asset management technology to improve their lived experience.

“Our many years’ experience of providing services to the Defence estate, in the UK and oversees, allows our colleagues to deliver an exceptional standard of service, while adapting to changing needs over the contract term.”

UK Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, says: “The vital work of our Armed Forces overseas relies upon the successful management of our facilities.

“From laundry and waste disposal to accommodation, contracts like this enable our Armed Forces to continue their vital work in the best possible facilities.”

The new Overseas Prime Contracts have been developed following a consultation exercise by DIO to recommend improvements in how services can be improved for military personnel based overseas and their dependants.

DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region, Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, says: “We are delighted to announce the award of the Germany and wider Europe contract to Mitie Defence Ltd.

DIO is committed to supporting people across the Armed Forces who depend on us to provide facilities and essential services which allow them to live and work safely and securely.

“With the Overseas Prime Contract in Gibraltar already in service and work ongoing to prepare for the transition to the new contract in Cyprus, it’s great to mark another milestone for the team with the award of this contract, which will provide an improved service for military personnel and their families.”

Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, adds: “The announcement of these contract awards is welcome news for military personnel and their families based overseas.

As a former Commander of British Forces Germany, I know that wherever our people are in the world, we must ensure that they have the right services and infrastructure to enable them to do their job, while delivering the quality of life that they deserve.”

Greater alignment to current industry standards will mean increased collaboration between DIO and its suppliers and allow for services to be better tailored to the requirements of specific sites.

A new, integrated software system will also enable information to be shared more effectively.

The contracts have been designed to promote more efficient processes and the quicker delivery of high volume, lower value works, ensuring increased value for money.

Performance targets will encourage a high standard of repairs and reduce the need for repeat visits.