Published date: 5 June 2023

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 4 August 2023, 11:59pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Fixed-wing aircrafts - 34711110

  • Piloted aircraft - 34711300

  • Dirigible parachutes - 39523100

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£9,000,000

Procurement reference

tender_358798/1215798

Published date

5 June 2023

Closing date

4 August 2023

Closing time

11:59pm

Contract start date

7 August 2023

Contract end date

8 August 2023

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Restricted procedure (above threshold)

A two-stage procedure, where the first stage is used to select suppliers, who are then invited to bid in the second stage.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The aircraft type should be a recognised High Altitude Para (HAP) aircraft able to carry a minimum of 12 x parachutists with full kit with the ability to air despatch Freefall parachutists and facilitate an oxygen (O2) capability for HAP. The contractor will be required to provide suitably qualified personnel to despatch parachutists from the aircraft when UK Military Parachute Jump Instructors (PJIs) are not available. Parachuting is to be conducted from the aircraft tailgate ramp. The parachuting platform should be cleared to operate in the USA by day and night from multiple locations within proximity of identified and cleared drop zones and training areas. The Authority envisages a five year availability service with three, one-year contract options thereafter. The service is forecast to commence from summer 2024 with the contractor meeting US FAA regulations as appropriate, and providing a MPT platform with type rated aircrew, engineers, and fire & crash cover able to maintain and sustain the operation. An initial Aircraft Flying Time of 300hrs per year (with a surge capability if required by the Authority) is anticipated via 3 x operating windows of 2/3 weeks each, currently forecast for July and January with a flexi-window.
Note the Estimated Value of Requirement is inclusive of option years.
Estimated value excluding VAT: $11,000,000 to $15,000,000.
As this procurement relates to the provision of services used for military purposes, the Authority will comply with the Defence & Security Public Contract Regulations (DSPCR 2011). The procurement will operate under the Restricted Procedure.

The Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) will be used to manage the DPQQ and Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, including evaluation. Access to the DSP is required to complete the DPQQ and it is recommended that access is requested via Supplier Registration Page.

The deadline for receipt of clarification questions relating to the PQQ is 16:00 BST on 21st July 2023.

The closing date for PQQ submissions will be 4th August 2023 (23:59 BST).

About the buyer

Address

C17CSAE DT, MOD Abbey Wood, #1229 Walnut 2b
Bristol
BS34 8JH
England

Email

DESC17CSAE-Commercial@mod.gov.uk