Tender published for London police helicopters

London’s Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) have published a tender in collaboration with the procurement firm BlueLight Commercial for the operation of police air support services to the UK capital.

The procurement process, which aims to establish a ‘Police Aviation Services Framework Agreement’, features two lots:

• Lot 1 – covering the supply (lease or purchase) of seven rotary aircraft modified for police operations
• Lot 2 – covering the operation of police air support services in the London region through a full turnkey police aviation contract in accordance with the needs of MPS and the region.

The tender includes an option to apply for both lots

The tender also includes an option to combine the provision of Lots 1 and 2 into a single lot (Lot 3) if a suitable contractor is found who can supply both aircraft and services. In a statement, BlueLight said that: “NPAS is cognisant that suppliers may be interested in delivering both… requirements and that a combined offer such as this may realise efficiencies.”

Applicants from interested suppliers should submit a response to the initial standard selection questionnaire shortlisting phase by midday on Monday 28 February 2022, following the instructions available on the European Union (EU) supply portal.

“Over the last 18 months, we have been working closely with NPAS, MPS and other stakeholders to shape the requirements and procurement strategy to deliver this bespoke aviation solution to support policing in England and Wales,” said Jo Osborne, Regional Commercial Director at BlueLight Commercial.

Another tendering process for the provision of new aircraft and the operation of services for the Irish Coast Guard is also currently ongoing, with applicants expected to complete the initial Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) by midday on 11 February 2022.