Why two internet portals ("ixarm.com" and “achats.defense.gouv.fr") to handle ministry of defence purchases?

The “ixarm.com” portal is dedicated to “arms, munitions and war materiel”. In terms of purchases, it thus covers everything related to the acquisition and in-service support (MCO) of armed forces’ equipment. This category justifies the existence of a dedicated portal given the unique aspects of this procurement field: acquisition plan process, mechanisms for unsolicited proposals and calls for tender, etc.

The “achats.defense.gouv.fr” portal covers all other purchases of the ministry of defence: infrastructures, information systems and networks, commissary supplies (food, clothing, etc.), fuels and health.