Planning

Provision of Helicopter Services to Deliver Aerial Survey Work

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LTD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

17 Jul 2024 at 08:22

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd is planning a procurement process for the provision of helicopter services to deliver aerial survey work across its national infrastructure and estate. The proposed contract aims to ensure Network Rail has access to helicopter-based survey capability 365 days a year, including night flying. The deadline to express an interest in this opportunity is noon on the 28th of August 2024, with further information available by contacting Ann Marie Rochford at annmarie.rochford2@networkrail.co.uk. The anticipated commencement of the new contract is in April 2026.

This tender by Network Rail presents an opportunity for businesses offering helicopter services and aerial survey capabilities to engage with a major infrastructure organisation. Companies providing twin-engine helicopters equipped for VFR and night capable flights, along with skilled pilots trained in infrastructure survey missions, will be well-suited to compete for this contract. The procurement process is currently at the planning stage, involving market engagement events to inform potential suppliers about Network Rail's requirements and services development during CP7.

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Notice Title

Provision of Helicopter Services to Deliver Aerial Survey Work

Notice Description

Network Rail is seeking to put in place a contract for the provision of helicopter services to deliver aerial survey work across its national infrastructure and estate. The contract will provide Network Rail with access to helicopter-based survey capability nationally, across its Regions, with service availability 365 days per year including an element of night flying.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Network Rail is seeking to put in place a contract for the provision of helicopter services to deliver aerial survey work across its national infrastructure and estate. The contract will provide Network Rail with access to helicopter-based survey capability nationally, across its Regions, with service availability 365 days per year including an element of night flying. Network Rail has used helicopters to survey its assets and create aerial pictorial maps of the railway infrastructure since 2004. Currently, this capability is delivered by two helicopters, one covering Scotland and one covering England and Wales, with an estimated 1000 flight hours per year. Network Rail provides the Aerial Survey Specialists (referred to as 'observers' from this point forward) that accompany each flight to capture and process data specified by the Regions. Anticipated commence of new contract: April 2026. Aircraft Requirements and Availability Essential: * Helicopters must be available during the hours of 0700 to 1900 each day, 7 days per week. Each aircraft must meet the following minimum requirements: * Twin engine helicopter * Fully equipped for VFR and night capable flights * Fitted with a CAA approved mount capable of carrying the required camera/survey systems as specified in this notice, plus 1 x Network Rail observer and two other passengers (such as Network Rail engineers) * Flight following capability (Spidertrax or equivalent) to be made available to Network Rail * Able to fly a mission for a duration of three hours without needing to refuel * Able to mount screens and other equipment in the cabin - both fore and after The availability of aircraft must be achieved through: * The provision of a backup aircraft in the event of mechanical fault or scheduled maintenance * Access to additional aircraft may be required if the need arises (subcontracting shall be permitted) Desirable: * IFR capable platform Pilot Availability and Competence Profile Essential: * A minimum of two dedicated pilots shall be assigned to each aircraft * Pilots shall be trained to Commercial Air Transport (C.A.T) Standard, night rated and with a minimum of 2500 hours rotary wing flight time * Pilots shall be trained and familiar in flying infrastructure survey missions * Pilot competence shall be maintained by limiting rotation between Network Rail and other customers * Tasking schedules shall be set by Network Rail's observers and the supplier will be required to allocate a pilot for a daily mission that in general shall not exceed standard flight duty hours Desirable: * IFR rated pilot Sensors, Camera Equipment and Systems The supplier shall provide and maintain the following equipment: Essential: * System 1 - Thermal Multi Sensor System to include: HD Thermal Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Visual Colour Cameras with Zoom capability, Laser Range Finder with Geo-lock capability, 6-axis or greater stabilisation, Augmentation with mapping. * System 2 - Gimbalised Stills camera system to include: HD Stills Camera System (min 50mp) with Zoom capability, 6-axis, or greater stabilisation. Desirable: * System 3 - Corona Discharge Multi Sensor System to include: HD UV Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Thermal Imaging sensors with Zoom capability, HD Visual Colour Cameras with Zoom capability, HD Stills Camera System with Zoom capability, Laser Range Finder with Geo-lock capability, 4-axis or greater stabilisation, Augmentation with mapping. In addition to the above, the helicopter must also be able to accommodate Network Rail's own bespoke MACs camera system. This is mounted on a standard meeker boom or equivalent. Additional information: Additional information on the specification will be included in the forthcoming tender documents.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-047dfc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021953-2024
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

34000000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

34722000 - Balloons and dirigibles

60440000 - Aerial and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20241 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Jan 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LTD
Contact Name
Ann Marie Rochford
Contact Email
annmarie.rochford2@networkrail.co.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1908781000

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Post Town
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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