MoD signs encryption, anti-virus deal

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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a new two-year contract for the supply of security hardware and software following changes to its Defence Equipment and Supply (DE&S) procurement framework.

The deal will supply the systems supporting the framework, which is responsible for a £13-billion budget to equip the UK's armed forces for current and future operations, with encrypted and non-encrypted hardware and software from provider, Trustmarque.

The agreement with the security provider also includes an additional contract to supply anti-virus software from McAfee, worth £4 million.

Trustmarque has supplied just software to the MoD through DE&S for the past three years, because the framework handled software and hardware requirements separately.

The announcement said DE&S has now established a consolidated framework, known as ‘IA Contract’, for all tender-led purchases for the purposes of putting all hardware and software purchases through the same channel.

The provider said this new contract framework had allowed it to now provide DE&S with hardware as well as software, as well as higher level security products for classified and top secret information.

Robert Cornish, MoD key account manager for Trustmarque said the IA Contract enabled the vendor to supply the MoD with IT equipment ranging from desktops and laptops, to software and all associated licences.

“It was a natural choice for us to take on the hardware contract,” he said.

This latest security deal comes as the MoD continues to pursue its stated goal of achieving closer collaboration between DE&S and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

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