This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

13 Jul 2026 at 13:41

Planning

25 Jun 2026 at 15:17

Planning

27 May 2026 at 09:27

Planning

21 May 2026 at 08:59

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process is being led by Defence Equipment and Support, a central government public authority based in Bristol, UK. The project, titled "UK4 - Lancaster Radiators: Manufacture and In-Service Support," involves the design and production of coolant radiators for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster aircraft. This tender, classified under aircraft maintenance services, is currently at the Tender stage and follows an open procurement method with a competitive flexible procedure. Key deadlines include the tender submission period ending on 21st August 2026 and the tender award period ending on 3rd November 2026. The project delivery location is at RAF Coningsby, UK, with services needed to comply with Military Aviation Authority regulations.

This contract offers a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in the aerospace sector, particularly those with capabilities in design and manufacturing of aviation parts. SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and social enterprises with experience in replicating historical aviation components using modern equivalents will find this tender particularly suited to their skills. Involvement in this contract could enhance business growth by expanding service offerings, demonstrating compliance with stringent aviation standards, and strengthening relationships with central government authorities. The chance for post-tender negotiations and the potential of contract extensions also make this an attractive opportunity for businesses seeking long-term projects in the aerospace industry.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

UK4 - Lancaster Radiators: Manufacture and In-Service Support

Notice Description

The Authority intends to procure a supplier with design capability, to manufacture, test, and deliver replacement coolant radiators for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster aircraft (PA474), together with associated technical documentation, certification, and in service support. The requirement comprises of replicating the original design standard , using modern day equivilance where necessary, to enable the production of six (6) replacement radiators, including two (2) spares, using a "design from pattern part" approach due to the absence of original drawings. The replacement units must be airworthy, compliant with Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulatory requirements, and demonstrate equivalence in fit, form, and function to the existing. The contractor will be responsible for: Substantiation, qualification, and production of the radiators. Provision of production drawings, design rationale, testing (e.g. pressure, fatigue, NDT), and a Declaration of Design & Performance. Manufacture and delivery of all units in accordance with an agreed schedule as per negotiations Supply of Special to Type Containers for transport and storage of each Provision of certification (e.g. Certificates of Conformity) and compliance with quality standards (e.g. ISO 9001/AS9100 or equivalent) Delivery of in service support artefacts, including a Bill of Materials, Initial Provisioning List, maintenance documentation, and recommended tooling and consumables to support continued airworthiness to an Out of Service Date of 2035 (with potential extension to 2040). All goods are to be delivered to RAF Coningsby, UK, and must integrate seamlessly with the existing aircraft systems and coolant specifications.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Options included for additional in scope services.

Renewal: An extension year mechanism has been built within the Contract.

Planning Information

Through this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN), the Ministry of Defence seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers. Any interested supplier with the experience, capability and capacity to deliver this service are asked to register their interest by contacting the buyer at the details provided in this notice. In your expression of interest, please indicate your preferred duration of any potential future contract. This PMEN has been published for the purposes of Market Sounding and to assist in the determination of the procurement strategy. No formal procurement has been launched. This is not a commitment by the UK Ministry of Defence to place a contract or launch a tender in the future. Suppliers that express an interest but do not currently hold the required regulatory approvals or certifications are encouraged to engage with the Authority. The Project Team will provide information and guidance on the processes and requirements to obtain the necessary approvals, to support fair and open competition and to minimise barriers to entry. This information will be made available on an equitable and transparent basis to all interested parties, noting that no supplier will be given any competitive advantage through prior engagement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069e80
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065669-2026
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
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50211100 - Aircraft maintenance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
21 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
13 Jul 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Jan 2027 - 3 Jan 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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