1.3 The Department's PFI portfolio of operational projects in 2007, which was the subject of our census, comprised 47 contracts3 (Figure 5) covering four broad categories: accommodation, training, equipment and other support projects. Other support projects included the provision of utilities and information and communication technology (ICT). Key facts from the 47 projects are at Figure 6 on pages 14 to 19.
1.4 The Department's PFI projects are critical to maintaining operational capability. Several projects directly support front line military operations, such as the Strategic Sea Lift Roll-on Roll-off Ferries and the Heavy Equipment Transporter projects. Other projects provide indirect support to front line operations, for example by providing training for front line troops. These include simulator training projects such as those for the Lynx Aircrew Training Service, and the Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility.
1.5 The Department has also used PFI to provide other services such as accommodation (for example, office accommodation and barracks) and infrastructure (for example, water and sewerage services to defence sites, telecommunications and information technology).
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3 The list of 47 PFI projects was agreed with the Department's Private Finance Unit.