UK SBS PR20018 BAS Aircraft Acquisition Prior Information Notice

This PIN is to advise the market of BAS's current intentions regarding the procurement of a new Aircraft & to provide details on BAS's planned Market Engagement Event. BAS wishes to procure an aircraft from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to provide Antarctic airbridge and research support flying for 25 years.

The aircraft should be capable of flying 3000Kg of passenger and freight loads 920 miles to & from the gravel runway at Rothera Research Station. The Rothera runway is 900 M long.

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) - delivers & enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. BAS is currently carrying out a major programme of Antarctic infrastructure and logistics modernisation, referred to as the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme.

This programme includes the procurement of a new air capability to support science into the future. BAS currently operates a Havilland Canada DHC-7 Series 110 (Dash 7) aircraft.

The Dash 7 is nearing the end of its effective life; the aim of the upcoming procurement is to introduce a new aircraft in FY 2023/2024, & for it to conduct integration trials before replacing the Dash 7 in FY 2024/2025. The new aircraft's primary role will be to provide the Intercontinental Airbridge between Chile, South America and Falkland Islands to the BAS operated research station at Rothera, Antarctica.

The airbridge provides the main route for scientists travelling to and from Antarctica, supports deep field science by with flying freight into a BAS ice runway, and maintains a long-range medical evacuation facility. The estimated maximum budget for the upcoming procurement is £70,000,000, excluding aircraft related Rothera infrastructure costs.

The budget includes initial aircraft purchase costs, including any essential aircraft adaptations, a period of pilot training and flight simulator costs, the supply of an initial spares order, maintenance equipment, and a period of direct Industry maintenance support to Rothera. BAS intends to follow the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation for the upcoming procurement.

It is essential that BAS is able to thoroughly test & assure an aircraft type's suitability for operation from Rothera through dialogue with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). To enable this the OEM market is being approached.

BAS intends to purchase an aircraft, however BAS will also be required to explore leasing options including costs in order to satisfy a full investment appraisal. Please refer to the additional information field for details on how to express an interest and information regarding the Market Engagement Event.

Additional information: This PIN is to advise the market of BAS's current intentions regarding the procurement of a new Aircraft and to provide details on BAS's planned Market Engagement Event. The Market Engagement Event will be held virtually on 21st September 2020.

This event will provide potential bidders with an opportunity to find out more about the requirement, the aims of the procurement and the proposed process as well as raise questions and provide valuable feedback. The Delta eSourcing portal will be used for both the pre-market engagement and the upcoming procurement.

If this procurement is of interest please register and gain access to further information on the Delta eSourcing portal, by following the URL: https://delta-esourcing.com/respond/8T7Q4E49VJ Once you have gained access to the Delta esourcing portal, there is a short mandatory Expression of Interest questionnaire for you to complete. This questionnaire requests your Organisation details and your nominated attendees for the planned Market Engagement Event.

Please ensure this is completed no later than 16:00 on the 16th September 2020. You will have access to Delta email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to this procurement.

Please use this facility to raise any questions or feedback regarding this procurement. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information.

Full details regarding the Market Engagement Event and any relevant documentation will be shared within the system. In the event that you are unable to attend, materials provided at the event will be available via the Delta eSourcing Portal.