Lord Jim wrote:Can some one explain to me why the Government did not provide a list of Government Furnished Equipment, that would be provided to the bidders for the T-31e, and instead they were given a list of kit they could buy.
They did.
"Basically nothing" is the answer.
"Minimum GFE" is repeatedly stated in ALL T31e documents to date. See also the 2nd-SL's comment. So, it is clear.
The T-23s have been flogged to death and they are not going to be that attractive to foreign navies when they retire as they will require extensive refits and modernisation, unlike previous RN escorts that were retired early. Surely provide five sets of GFE form the five GP T-23s would allow the T-31e to be given increased capability whilst staying within their budget. The bidders would have to use the kit offered, and so could opt for a second hand OTO76, as the installation would be cheaper compared to integrating a Mk8, or at least I believe it would be.
As you said, whether it is clever or not is a good point do discuss. I can understand your point.
But, MOD's idea is also clear. T31e puts
ALL RISKS to the builder, and nothing to MOD. It is a fixed price contract, with very minimum of requirements, so that the bidders are even buying foreign origin design. Babcock is even using TACTICOS CMS. Big freedom, we see. I guess this is the trial for "industry lead ship building".
Personally, I only see negative things here. It may work (hopefully 30% probability), it may not work (70% probability? Reminds me of T21). But, anyway, it will either
1: successfully deliver good light frigates to RN and for export.
or
2: clearly show that, "every escorts in BAES Clyde" concept was the only right answer.
I am a supporter of "2". If the cost is too high, it is RN/MOD's inability to control BAE. All other nations are trying hard for it. For me, it is very ridiculous saying "competition solves everything". No it doesn't. Precisely speaking, if RN are to build 100 corvettes, instead of 2 CV and 19 escorts, it will surely work. You can buy 10 Vosper corvettes and 10 Yarrow corvettes, and based on their cost and performance, buy 20 more Vosper and 5 more Yarrow's. With the "5 more order" Yarrow will survive and try harder in the next turn, and may win in future.
This is how the competition works.
It is not valid in this "19 escorts" era. Simple.