Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport Helicopter Service (RWCSAT)

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)Multi Helicopter Platforms (MHP) Project Team has a requirement for a competitive procurement of an assured, timely and discreet Rotary Wing transport capability for VIPs, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Senior Military Officers, and Government Officials, etc. for point-to-point flights by day and night on a Military Registered Commercially Owned (MRCO) contract basis. The procurement has a security classification of Official Sensitive. Quantity or scope: The requirement is for a Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport Helicopter Service (RWCSAT) to provide point-to-point flights for high priority military personnel, ministers and government officials within the UK and near Europe to be operated by British Military aircrew (32 (TR) Sqn based at RAF Northolt) and tasked through Air Command HQ. Aircraft shall be capable of operating within restricted airspace such as Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas and Danger Areas as defined in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication, and be able to operate within a Control Zone (CTZ) such as London Heathrow.

Please Note: Authority requires the service to be delivered as soon as practicable following 01 Dec 24.

The Contractor will be required to:

1. Provide a Military Registered solution to fly up to 500 hours per annum at various readiness levels based on one task line, including Conversion to Role (CTR) training. Providing a Military Registered solution will include obtaining DAOS and MAOS accreditation among other things.
2. Provide a minimum transport capacity for at least 3 people including hand luggage.
3. Deliver the appropriate initial conversion to type (Type Rating) and 6-monthly simulator emergency handling training for military aircrew.
4. Provide line maintenance at the Main Operating Base (MOB) at RAF Northolt and be prepared to deliver support down route (i.e., away from RAF Northolt) if required.
5. In the event of planned/ unscheduled non-availability of the primary aircraft, provide a replacement capability in line with contract requirements.
6. Provide the requisite up-to-date digital document sets, e.g., Pilot Operation Handbooks, Flight Crew Operating Manual, Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Flight Reference Cards.
7. Provide a platform able to be operated Performance Class (PC) 1 to/from Wellington Barracks HLS and fitted with a Traffic Avoidance System as well as fully functional dual flying controls.
8. Provide a capability able to operate the aircraft in UK and near European civilian airspace, including over water/ sea (a minimum range of 250nm, landing with VFR reserve fuel).
9. Enable routine download and analysis of data post flight for the purpose of Flight Data Recording (FDM); to include Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder (CV/ FDR system).
10. Provide all pertinent spares and deliver a full supply chain management solution, including repairs and obsolescence management.
11. Hold an EASA Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Approval (Rotary Wing), EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation Approval.
12. Hold EASA Part 21 J Design Organisation Approval (Rotary Wing) or be able to sub-contract a supplier who holds this.
13. Provide personnel SC Clearances prior to access onto RAF Northolt site
14. Work collaboratively with SPMAP DT to achieve Platform Security Accreditation if not already in place.

The relevant Cyber Risk Assessment code is RAR-377677548 and the cyber risk profile has been rated Moderate. Potential tenderers for this contract will be required to complete a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ) at the ITT stage of the competitive process.

The planned timeframe for issue of the Invitation to Tender for this requirement is approximately 6-12 weeks from publication of this advert.

Your response submitted via the DSP should only contain information with the Security Classification Official Sensitive or below. If your response contains information with a Security Classification higher than Official Sensitive, please contact the Authority for appropriate submission instructions.