NRW Helicopter Support Services Framework Agreement 2025-2029

NRW is responsible for the management of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE) and land in our care including National Nature Reserves. This is an all-Wales multi-supplier NRW Framework Agreement for the provision of Helicopter Support Services to help enable the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) manage fires on our land, or neighbouring land where conditions pose a threat to our land, that have become well established and/or are out of control.

Services provided under this Framework Agreement may be required anywhere in Wales or land manged by NRW in England. Historically, however, the majority of firefighting work has been located in south Wales.

The number and extent of fires each year will determine the support NRW and FRS will require. Due to this unpredictability, NRW does not guarantee any work or level of expenditure under this Framework Agreement.

The proposed duration of the Framework Agreement is 24 months with the option of extending for a further 2 x 12 months thereafter subject to satisfactory performance and annual price review The full description of requirements is provided in the tender documentation published on https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml.

Requirements include the provision of: 1. A helicopter suitably equipped for the aerial application of water using underslung bucket 2.

Qualified and competent air crew rated for aerial application work and if required experienced ground support crew 3. Minimum 910 litre “Bambi” bucket or equivalent that can be operated at full capacity and the availability of at least 1 spare bucket. 4.

If required, refuelling equipment (and fuel) including a minimum of 2000 litre bowser, suitable 4x4 towing vehicle and pollution control spill kits 5. Service Provider(s) must provide a means of effective real time communications between the pilot and the IC, usually in the form of Air band transceivers 6.

All machinery and equipment to be supplied, remain serviceable and be serviced throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement by the Service Provider(s) 7. Liaison with FRS Incident Commander (IC) for briefings, including discussion on deployment. 8.

Assessment of local onsite conditions by Service Provider(s) and the accurate application of water along the leading edge of the fire (fire front) unless directed otherwise by FRS. Service Provider(s) are required to abide by the UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 Part SPO (Specialised Operations) or equivalent and must maintain throughout the framework all necessary certificates and qualifications required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Service Provider(s) must have necessary insurance cover and will be required to observe first aid standards, and other such precautions, such as health and safety, and procedures on access to land and water sources. Service Provider(s) are required to report any notifiable incident, such as pollution, and report on its carbon emissions. Service Provider(s) are not permitted to assign their obligations under this framework to sub-contractors; sub-contracting is not permitted under this FWA.