GovWire

The SSRO may be asked to give a formal opinion or make a legally binding determination on matters related to the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts in circumstances set out in the Defence Reform Act 2014 and Single Source Contract Regulations 2014. The SSRO has published guides to the procedures it will follow when giving an opinion or making a determination on matters referred to it. The guidance for each type of referral provides details of:

• the requirements for making a referral to the SSRO;
• the criteria that the SSRO will apply to determine whether to accept a referral;
• the process the SSRO follows at each stage when giving an opinion or making a determination; and
• the roles and expectations of all parties throughout the process.

Anyone intending to make a referral to the SSRO should contact us via referrals@ssro.gov.uk or 020 3771 4785 to discuss the requirements for referrals.

A party seeking an opinion or determination from the SSRO may find it helpful to complete the SSROs Referral submission template.

Requiring the payment of referral-related costs

The regulatory framework provides that the SSRO may require the payment of referral-related costs by one party to another when giving an opinion or making a determination. The SSRO has published guidance describing the approach it will take when considering, upon request, whether to require the payment of referral-related costs by one party to another.

The SSRO welcomes feedback on its published guidance to referrals@ssro.gov.uk.