In 2018, the Department established a Strategic Partnering Programme (SPP) to maximise commercial leverage with its 19 most important suppliers by improving contract performance and managing strategic risks.45 The Department told us that the 38 C&AG’s report, para 3.16 39 C&AG’s report, para 3.8 40 C&AG’s report, paras 3.4–3.5 41 Q 3 42 C&AG’s report para 5.12 43 C&AG’s report para 5.13 44 Q 3 45 C&AG’s report, paras 3.17–3.18 Improving the performance of major defence equipment contracts 15 ...

In 2018, the Department established a Strategic Partnering Programme (SPP) to maximise commercial leverage with its 19 most important suppliers by improving contract performance and managing strategic risks.45 The Department told us that the 38 C&AG’s report, para 3.16 39 C&AG’s report, para 3.8 40 C&AG’s report, paras 3.4–3.5 41 Q 3 42 C&AG’s report para 5.12 43 C&AG’s report para 5.13 44 Q 3 45 C&AG’s report, paras 3.17–3.18 Improving the performance of major defence equipment contracts 15 programme is now embedded across 14 suppliers and emphasised its vision to achieve a single view of suppliers’ contracts with the Department and supplier Type: conclusion | Number: 19 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 4.5 In 2018, the department established a Strategic Partnering Programme (SPP) which is based on good practice principles, transparency and sharing of data and lessons between supplier and commissioner. Category management, also mentioned positively in the NAO re