DIO appoints Mace as 'Client Side Partner' for Defence Estate Optimisation

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has announced today that Mace – in partnership with Turner and Townsend and supported by PA, Atkins and GL Hearn – has been appointed as Client Side Partner (CSP) to support delivery of the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Programme.

DEO  is a long-term Ministry of Defence (MOD) programme to optimise the UK’s defence estate for future military requirements. The programme combines military and infrastructure expertise to transform the places where the Armed Forces live, work and train.  

The CSP will provide a range of services to DEO to support programme delivery of over 100 projects across the UK. Mace’s teams will be based in a number of MOD locations.  

Mace’s appointment builds on the consultancy company’s previous work for the MOD and DIO as Strategic Construction Advisor and Strategic Design Advisor, helping to provide advice on complex construction programmes. This has included strategic advice on the procurement and delivery of projects using Modern Methods of Construction and repeatable design principles. 

The CSP contract was placed using the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework agreement for project management and full design technical services. It is a two-year contract, with options to extend for a further two years. 

Mark Holmes, Mace’s Chief Operating Office for Consultancy, said: 

“We are very pleased to have been selected by the DIO to deliver this important role in the transformation of the UK’s defence estate. The DEO programme is a vital series of projects that will ensure our defence estate is future-proof and meets the needs of the modern Armed Forces. 

“Our appointment marks another significant step forward for Mace’s work in the defence sector, which has been a strategic focus and has grown from strength to strength over the last two years.”