We provide statutory oversight and regulation of single-source defence contracts
The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) oversees the regulatory framework for single source (non-competitive) defence contracts, which places pricing controls on qualifying contracts and requires transparency on the part of defence contractors.
Our purpose is to support and improve the operation of the regulatory framework and to assist the organisations who must apply it to do so as effectively as possible.
Through the delivery of our statutory functions we aim to ensure that good value for money is obtained in government expenditure on qualifying defence contracts and that contractors are paid a fair and reasonable price under those contracts.
The SSRO plays a key role in supporting the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts established by Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 (the Act) and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 (the Regulations). We aim to provide the SSRO’s stakeholders with an overview of the guidance the SSRO issues for use by the Secretary of State for Defence and the parties to contracts which are regulated under this framework. The guidance overview sets out:
- the guidance the SSRO provides and the basis for doing so;
- how we develop and review our guidance, including how we engage with stakeholders to ensure our guidance is fit for purpose;
- how we promote understanding of our guidance; and
- how we measure our performance in providing guidance to inform ongoing improvements in our approach.
The Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS) allows contractors to meet the reporting requirements for contract and supplier reports.
DefCARS is an online, web-enabled system which facilitates submission of statutory reports to the SSRO and MOD. When preparing reports, contractors must have regard to guidance issued by the SSRO.
The regulatory framework specifies how contracts that meet the requirements for being qualifying defence contracts (QDCs) or qualifying sub-contracts (QSCs) must be priced.
The SSRO’s functions include giving guidance on each of this aspect of the regulatory framework and providing an annual assessment to the Secretary of State on the appropriate rates to use in determining contract profit. Our guidance plays an important role in supporting MOD contracting staff and contractors to apply the regulatory framework and realise the benefits the Act and Regulations seek to achieve.
The SSRO provides support to the MOD and defence contractors in relation to the regulatory framework. The SSRO’s support is designed to:
- inform people about the regulatory framework, the role of the SSRO and aspects of its work, such as guidance, compliance reviews and referrals;
- assist contractors to submit reports required under the regulatory framework and apply the SSRO’s guidance; and
- help the MOD and contractors to use the Defence Contracts Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS).
Our helpdesk operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding UK bank holidays. It can be contacted on 020 3771 4785 or by email at helpdesk@ssro.gov.uk. We can also arrange online video calls via Microsoft Teams.
We answer most helpdesk queries within 1 or 2 working days and aim to respond to all queries within a maximum of 5 working days.
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 SSRO’s Referral submission template.
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August 21, 2026
The Single Source Regulations Office has today announced that John Russell will step down as Chief Executive on 6 November 2026 to pursue a new opportunity outside of Government and the Defence sector. John has led the SSRO through a period of significant change for the organisation and the wider defence environment. During his tenure, […]
August 5, 2026
The SSRO invites views on how its guidance could be improved, expanded or better structured to support the effective and consistent application of the single source regulatory framework. The call for input is open now. The regulatory framework for single source defence contracts governs some of the UK’s most strategically significant defence contracts. Since 2015, […]
July 30, 2026
The SSRO today published a set of recommendations to help improve the regulatory framework for non-competitive (single source) defence contracts. This framework governs some of the UK’s most strategically significant defence contracts. Since 2015, the single source regulatory framework has applied to contracts worth £140.1 billion. The SSRO aims through its work to ensure that […]
July 28, 2026
This annual publication includes analysis of all QDCs/QSCs between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2026. The SSRO was notified of 863 contracts that became QDCs/QSCs by 31 March 2026. This analysis is based on 798 contracts with submitted contract reports as at 30 April 2026. These 798 contracts are comprised of 666 QDCs and […]
July 22, 2026
The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) has today confirmed that Hannah Nixon will step down as Chair at the end of her five-year term on 2 January 2027. Following a recruitment process for her successor, Hannah will work with the incoming Chair to ensure a smooth transition. During her tenure, Hannah has provided strong leadership […]
July 20, 2026
The SSRO’s Corporate Plan for 2026/27 sets a clear strategic focus for the SSRO in a changing environment. Through the exercise of our statutory functions we aim to ensure value for money is obtained in government expenditure on single source defence contracting and fair and reasonable prices for suppliers. The Plan reflects the broader defence […]
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September 17, 2026
The SSRO will hold its third teach-in session of 2026 on 21 October, focusing on how the incentive adjustment can be used in calculating the contract profit rate for qualifying defence contracts (QDCs). The training will take place online via Microsoft Teams from 2.30pm to 4.00pm (GMT). On 14 May the Minister for Defence Readiness […]
August 21, 2026
The Single Source Regulations Office has today announced that John Russell will step down as Chief Executive on 6 November 2026 to pursue a new opportunity outside of Government and the Defence sector. John has led the SSRO through a period of significant change for the organisation and the wider defence environment. During his tenure, […]
August 5, 2026
The SSRO invites views on how its guidance could be improved, expanded or better structured to support the effective and consistent application of the single source regulatory framework. The call for input is open now. The regulatory framework for single source defence contracts governs some of the UK’s most strategically significant defence contracts. Since 2015, […]
July 30, 2026
The SSRO today published a set of recommendations to help improve the regulatory framework for non-competitive (single source) defence contracts. This framework governs some of the UK’s most strategically significant defence contracts. Since 2015, the single source regulatory framework has applied to contracts worth £140.1 billion. The SSRO aims through its work to ensure that […]
July 22, 2026
The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) has today confirmed that Hannah Nixon will step down as Chair at the end of her five-year term on 2 January 2027. Following a recruitment process for her successor, Hannah will work with the incoming Chair to ensure a smooth transition. During her tenure, Hannah has provided strong leadership […]
June 1, 2026
The SSRO has updated its pricing guidance following reforms announced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and invites your views. The guidance comes into effect on 5 June 2026. The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry announced reforms to the Single Source Contract Regulations on 14 May, in line with the Defence Industrial Strategy and […]
SSRO Helpdesk
The helpdesk is the point of contact within the SSRO where parties to qualifying defence contracts or qualifying sub-contracts can ask for clarification, advice or seek further information on all issues related to the work of the SSRO and its statutory functions.
helpdesk@ssro.gov.uk020 3771 4785