Command Support Air Transport Recapitalisation (CSAT Recap)

Tender description

This notice is being published for transparency purposes only. It is not a call for expressions of interest. CSAT RECAP Phase 1 requires delivery of 2 Aircraft to the Authority. Time is of the essence for the delivery of these 2 Aircraft, this shall be measured on whether the Aircraft are both Accepted by 31 March 2022. The Aircraft may initially be based from an Operating Base of the Contractor's choosing or RAF Northolt (NHT) but must transition to RAF NHT (which will become the Main Operating Base (MOB)) by Phase 1 Full Operating Capability (FOC). The Aircraft will need to achieve a minimum unrefueled range of 3,850nm from an unrestricted airfield transporting up to 8 passengers, 3 crew and associated baggage. The CSAT Recap Aircraft will be owned by MoD but will be leased back to the Contractor and operated during the period of Phase 1 on the Civil Aircraft Register by the Contractor who will assume all airworthiness responsibility. CSAT RECAP Phase 1 requires delivery of up to 980 flying hours in the first year ending 31 March 2023 and up to 1200 flying hours in the second year, ending 31 March 2024 from the two Aircraft that are available. These services are to be available 7 days per week, 365 days per year from the Contractors Operating Base and/or the MOB. CSAT Recap requires delivery of a support arrangement that will incorporate all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance arisings where risk will be appropriately apportioned to ensure that a high level of Aircraft availability can be reasonably achieved. The solution also requires the Contractor to manage delivery of all Aircraft movements in accordance with tasking from the Authority. While civilian crews are required to pilot the Aircraft in Phase 1, this phase also includes a requirement to train an initial cadre of RAF pilots and cabin crew to supplement the civilian pilots in delivering the flying hours.