Tender

The Provision of Multi-Engine Pilot Training

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

24 Jan 2026 at 15:45

Planning

24 Sep 2025 at 10:27

Planning

18 Aug 2025 at 12:01

Planning

18 Aug 2025 at 11:11

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence (MOD), based in RAF High Wycombe, United Kingdom, is currently in the tender stage of procuring services for the provision of Multi-Engine Pilot Training. The contract, valued at £4.32 million, is under an open procedure with the requirement to train up to 22 fixed-wing pilots from April 2026 to March 2028. The training involves two components: Multi-Engine Crossovers (MEXO) and Ab-initios, focusing on different skill sets and ensuring compliance with MOD standards, although not requiring Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) approval for certain elements. The final date for bid submission is 27th February 2026, with enquiries open until 6th February 2026. The main procurement category is services, specifically training programme services under the CPV classifications 80521000 and 80510000.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those in the training services industry with experience in aviation, to establish or expand their footprint in the defence sector. Companies that are CAA Approved Training Organisations with expertise in providing comprehensive pilot training, including incorporating modular Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating courses, will find this opportunity particularly suitable. Given the MOD's focus on technical, non-cost criteria for up to 60% of the award decision, firms that can deliver high-quality, innovative training solutions paired with social value initiatives are well-positioned to benefit from this tender. The potential for contract renewal, extending up to an additional two years, further enhances the appeal for sustained business growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

The Provision of Multi-Engine Pilot Training

Notice Description

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) requires a Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to train up to 22 fixed-wing pilots from April 2026 to March 2028. This training will use two syllabi due to differing input standards and onward training routes: - Multi-Engine Crossovers (MEXO). The first, up to 10 trainees, will see training using elements of the modular Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) / Instrument Rating (IR) courses and the Airline Pilot Standard (APS) Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course to achieve the training standard set by the MOD. The MOD is not looking for the award of a Commercial Pilot Licence / Instrument Rating at the end of this training as trainees will not have completed any CAA pre-requisite training courses so will not have met the minimum CAA entry requirements for starting CPL/IR training; this training therefore does not need CAA approval. However, the MOD is looking to achieve a near equivalent CPL/IR skills test standard along with MCC training and some additional training elements not required by the CPL/IR. Trainees will have completed the following military training courses, as a minimum, before arrival with the Contractor: Elementary Flying Training, Fast-Jet Lead-In, and Basic Fast-Jet Training with associated Groundschools. Alternatively, these trainees may be previously qualified military Fast-Jet or Rotary Wing pilots who have been awarded RAF Wings and completed at least one front-line tour with approximately 1000+ total flying hours. - Ab-initios. The second, up to 12 trainees, will see training on Single-Engine (SE) aircraft and Multi-Engine (ME) aircraft prior to them undertaking additional training with the military. The SE element should broadly mirror the Private Pilot Licence syllabus which will allow them to gain Pilot in Command experience and focus on Instrument Flying skillsets. This will be followed by a ME syllabus which should build on Instrument Flying techniques as well as teach asymmetric flying skills. In addition, these trainees should also complete the APS MCC Course. The MOD is not looking for the award of any licence upon completion of this course. Trainees will have completed Elementary Flying Training and associated Groundschool.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Additional optional +1+1 years added to the initial 2 year period at the Authorities discretion.

Planning Information

Further instructions are included in the uploaded document - 20250813_715601455 MEPT_PREM For information purposes a draft Statement of Requirement (SOR) - 20250701_715601455_Statement_of_Requirement_MEPT-Expansion_Draft has also been uploaded. The closing date and time for resposne to the RFI is 12 September 2025 at 17:30hrs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0589a6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006411-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80510000 - Specialist training services

80521000 - Training programme services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,600,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,600,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Jan 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
27 Feb 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
24 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
19 Apr 2026 - 19 Apr 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Garry Chubb
Contact Email
garry.chubb101@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NAPHILL
Postcode
HP14 4UE
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Ridgeway West
Westminster Constituency
Mid Buckinghamshire

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0589a6-2026-01-24T15:45:21Z",
    "date": "2026-01-24T15:45:21Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0589a6",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "planning": {
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "049447-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/049447-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-18T12:11:08+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "049476-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/049476-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-18T13:01:02+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "059170-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK3",
                "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059170-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-09-24T11:27:19+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Further instructions are included in the uploaded document - 20250813_715601455 MEPT_PREM For information purposes a draft Statement of Requirement (SOR) - 20250701_715601455_Statement_of_Requirement_MEPT-Expansion_Draft has also been uploaded. The closing date and time for resposne to the RFI is 12 September 2025 at 17:30hrs.",
                "dueDate": "2025-09-12T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
            "name": "Ministry of Defence",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHVX-4316-ZVGZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "RAF High Wycombe",
                "locality": "Naphill",
                "postalCode": "HP14 4UE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ13"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Garry Chubb",
                "email": "garry.chubb101@mod.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
        "name": "Ministry of Defence"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "715601455",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "The Provision of Multi-Engine Pilot Training",
        "description": "The Ministry of Defence (MOD) requires a Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to train up to 22 fixed-wing pilots from April 2026 to March 2028. This training will use two syllabi due to differing input standards and onward training routes: - Multi-Engine Crossovers (MEXO). The first, up to 10 trainees, will see training using elements of the modular Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) / Instrument Rating (IR) courses and the Airline Pilot Standard (APS) Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course to achieve the training standard set by the MOD. The MOD is not looking for the award of a Commercial Pilot Licence / Instrument Rating at the end of this training as trainees will not have completed any CAA pre-requisite training courses so will not have met the minimum CAA entry requirements for starting CPL/IR training; this training therefore does not need CAA approval. However, the MOD is looking to achieve a near equivalent CPL/IR skills test standard along with MCC training and some additional training elements not required by the CPL/IR. Trainees will have completed the following military training courses, as a minimum, before arrival with the Contractor: Elementary Flying Training, Fast-Jet Lead-In, and Basic Fast-Jet Training with associated Groundschools. Alternatively, these trainees may be previously qualified military Fast-Jet or Rotary Wing pilots who have been awarded RAF Wings and completed at least one front-line tour with approximately 1000+ total flying hours. - Ab-initios. The second, up to 12 trainees, will see training on Single-Engine (SE) aircraft and Multi-Engine (ME) aircraft prior to them undertaking additional training with the military. The SE element should broadly mirror the Private Pilot Licence syllabus which will allow them to gain Pilot in Command experience and focus on Instrument Flying skillsets. This will be followed by a ME syllabus which should build on Instrument Flying techniques as well as teach asymmetric flying skills. In addition, these trainees should also complete the APS MCC Course. The MOD is not looking for the award of any licence upon completion of this course. Trainees will have completed Elementary Flying Training and associated Groundschool.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "80521000",
                        "description": "Training programme services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "80510000",
                        "description": "Specialist training services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 4320000,
            "amount": 3600000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-04-19T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2030-04-19T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 4320000,
                    "amount": 3600000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Additional optional +1+1 years added to the initial 2 year period at the Authorities discretion."
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technical Non-Cost including Social Value",
                            "description": "Technical Npn-Cost including Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-09-24T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Submission via the Defence Sourcing Portal www.contracts.mod.uk",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-27T17:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-06T12:30:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "006411-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006411-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-24T15:45:21Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}