UK SAR competition narrowed to three bidders
On 26 July, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) published a further announcement on the companies shortlisted to participate in the ‘UK SAR Helicopter Services’ procurement process, narrowing the field to just three bidders.
On 26 July, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) published a further announcement on the companies shortlisted to participate in the ‘UK SAR Helicopter Services’ procurement process, narrowing the field to just three bidders.
First announced in November 2011, the process is aimed at replacing the UK’s current mix of military and contract civilian search and rescue (SAR) helicopter cover with either one or two civilian providers. Bidders have been invited to bid for Lot 1, covering northern bases, Lot 2, covering southern bases, or Lot 3, covering all bases.
The remaining companies shortlisted to participate in competitive dialogue are Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd, Bristow Helicopters Ltd, and CHC Scotia Ltd, all of which have submitted bids for each of the three Lots. The three companies were listed for the same Lots in previous statements made by the DfT in March and April this year.
Out of the running since the last announcement, however, are Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen N.V., which had been included in the shortlist for Lot 2, and Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems, which was bidding for Lot 3. The new announcement also marks the Osprey Consortium’s exit from the process. Comprising Babcock Aerospace Ltd, ERA Helicopters and British International Helicopters, the Consortium was shortlisted for all three lots in March, down to Lots 2 and 3 only in April.
A number of companies included in the shortlist in March had already left the competition entirely by April: Elbit Systems, Evergreen International Aviation and Eurocopter UK (bidding separately for Lots 1, 2 and 3); and FB Heliservices (bidding for Lot 2).
The government expects to announce the successful bidders for either Lots 1 and 2, or the combined Lot 3, in early 2013. The total value of the combined options, Lot 3, is estimated by the DfT at £2 to £3 billion.
Contract details
Lot 1 will deliver the service at, or in the vicinity of, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Culdrose, Leconfield and Valley with a minimum rescue capacity per aircraft of eight casualties/survivors (two of whom are capable of being stretchered) and a minimum radius of action of 200 nm (250 nm at Stornoway). Lot 2 will deliver the service at, or in the vicinity of Lee-on-the-Solent, Chivenor, Prestwick, Lossiemouth and Wattisham with a minimum rescue capacity per aircraft of four casualties/survivors (two of whom are capable of being stretchered). Lot 3 will deliver the service requirements of both Lot 1 and Lot 2.
Image: SAC Dave Rose / RAF / Crown Copyright