Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport (RWCSAT)

Tender description

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Special Projects Multi Air Platform (SPMAP) Delivery Team is considering a new procurement for the Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport (RWCSAT) capability. The procurement is for a 5year period, with a requirement for the contractor to deliver a twin-engine helicopter and support service to deliver one (1) fit for purpose aircraft daily at RAF Northolt. The helicopter must be capable of carrying a minimum of three (3) passengers up to 250 nautical miles (nm). The helicopter must be able to operate in VFR and IFR conditions both day and night down to 500ft. This helicopter will be in support of very important person (VIP) tasking for defence activity. The services that are likely to be required at the outset of any potential contract are: 1. Provide a suitable VIP transport twin-engine category A helicopter for defence tasking from RAF Northolt. 2. Provide a support service for the helicopter to ensure one (1) helicopter is available for daily tasking between 07:00 and 20:00 hrs, 365 days a year. The support service should be for up to five hundred (500) flying hours per year, with a preferred servicing location of RAF Northolt utilising existing infrastructure. 3. The helicopter must be capable of operating in VFR and IFR conditions both day and night down to 500ft. 4. The helicopter should be capable of single and twin pilot operations with a minimum of three (3) passengers. 5. The helicopter should have a minimum range of 250nm without refuel, hover and land in headwinds of up to 50 knots (kts). 6. The helicopter should be capable of Performance Class 1 operations and operating in Class A airspace. 7. The helicopter should be operated by military pilots under Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulations. However, a Civilian operated solution could be considered. 8. The requirement should be available to start operations on the 1 Apr 2023. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) has been issued to provide information to the market and for the Authority to sound out the market to enable it to develop its procurement strategy for this requirement. The Authority would like to understand the market’s view on the proposed operation start date and potential solution for both defence and industry partner to ensure any future tender is deliverable within current market conditions. This PIN is not a means to seek formal expressions of interest; that opportunity may become available in the future through the publication of a formal contract notice that will be published on the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP). If you are interested in this requirement, and have not done so, please send an email to Christopher.davidge100@mod.gov.uk by 17:00 Friday 25th March. Your email shall be no longer than 300 words and shall provide evidence of your capability to deliver the requirement including an indication of whether you can support a Military Registered, and/or Civil Registered capability and the latest required Contract Award date to meet the stated service delivery commencement date. This information will not be used to down select suppliers, that will be conducted via the ITN pack once the contract notice has been published. Any information provided will be kept confidential.