VIVO Defence starts UK maintenance and housing services for USVF
Image courtesy VIVO Defence
VIVO, which works solely for the UK military and its partners, already provides asset and facilities management services as well as maintenance work at 20,000 operational buildings and 27,000 service family homes through Defence Infrastructure Organisation new FDIS Contracts
Now it is set to start at eight main USVF sites and three associated ones across England.
In June this year, VIVO Defence was awarded four of five USVF contracts tendered by the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
Also from today, it becomes responsible for a range of maintenance activities at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Menwith Hill and RAF Mildenhal. This includes linked sites at RAF Fylingdales, RAF Molesworth and RAF Welford.
The company is a joint venture between Serco, a provider of essential public services including for the military and Equans - a UK provider of FM, housing and low carbon energy across defence, government and the private sector.
Over the past few months, VIVO Defence’s mobilisation team have been working with DIO and the USVF preparing to take over the maintenance of the built estate, billable works and family housing.
Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, said: “Our mobilisation team has been working closely with DIO and the USVF in readiness for the start date. We are a key supplier for DIO and the MoD and it is great to carry out these services for the American air force on their behalf, we are really looking forward to bringing about new improvements and delivering the benefits of a strong collaborative relationship with DIO and our new USVF Customers.
“I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the 250 new colleagues we are taking on to deliver these services and look forward to everyone across VIVO working with them to add real value to the contract.”
David Brewer, DIO’s Chief Operating Officer said: “Cooperation between the US and UK is as important now as it has ever been. The presence of US Forces in the UK is of vital strategic importance as part of our shared commitment to NATO and the defence of Europe.
“I am proud of all the work DIO does to support the United States Visiting Forces, ranging from delivering major construction to support military capabilities to the provision of accommodation for service men and women. These new contracts are a further step forward in improving the quality of service we provide to our US partners.”
Brian Talbot, Managing Director, Central Government & Defence, for Mitie, said: "We’re delighted to be continuing our support for DIO as we kickstart this new contract with the United States Air Force at RAF Mildenhall. By bringing together our exceptional colleagues, our experience supporting the Armed Forces and our innovative technology solutions, we’re excited to be working alongside the US Air Force and helping to improve facilities management services on site."
Brigadier General George Dietrich, Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection for US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, said: "We have worked closely with DIO and our new industry partners to launch this new phase of facility maintenance at our installations.
"Our joint partnership with DIO is key to delivering infrastructure related services to support US Visiting Forces, their families, and our vital missions in the United Kingdom. We value our long-standing relationship with DIO and look forward to its continuation in the future."
