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Helicopter Services -- BBC Live Newsgathering

BBC (BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

01 Jul 2026 at 15:02

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is in the planning stage of a public procurement process for Helicopter Services aimed at supporting its live newsgathering operations across the United Kingdom. The buying organisation, headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, is seeking information from suppliers with the expertise needed for fast-paced live television news environments, prior to possibly launching a formal procurement. This engagement is part of compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and the Request for Information (RFI) must be returned by 15th July 2026. The procurement falls under the services category with an industry focus on helicopter hire and operations.

This tender presents an opportunity for niche service providers involved in helicopter operations accustomed to the live broadcast television sector. Businesses with a proven track record in this specific area are particularly well-suited to respond, potentially leading to growth through securing a contract that supplies critical services for major newsgathering activities. The process is accessible to SMEs and VCSEs, ensuring a competitive and inclusive bidding environment. Suppliers who meet these stringent requirements stand to gain a prestigious client in the form of the BBC, which could immensely boost their business profile and lead to further business opportunities within the sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Helicopter Services -- BBC Live Newsgathering

Notice Description

BBC Newsgathering uses a dedicated helicopter to support its live broadcast news-gathering operations across the United Kingdom. The helicopter provides an aerial news-gathering and live broadcast capability that is integral to the BBC's ability to cover breaking news events, planned operations, and major incidents from the air, transmitting live footage directly to BBC News studio facilities. The current contract for this service is approaching the end of its term. The BBC is conducting pre-tender market engagement under the Procurement Act 2023 to understand the landscape of suppliers capable of delivering this service before potentially proceeding to a formal competitive procurement. This is a specialist service. The BBC requires a supplier with direct, demonstrable experience of working in a fast-paced live television news environment -- not general aerial work, corporate charter, or commercial helicopter operations. Suppliers are encouraged to consider their suitability carefully before responding. Please review the RFI document uploaded on to the Jaggaer e-tendering platform.

Planning Information

This is a request for information related to Helicopter Services for BBC Newsgathering. Please access the BBC's e-sourcing platform to review the RFI documentation to be returned before the engagement deadline: https://bbc.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c1ab
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061914-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
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

34711500 - Helicopters

60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Jul 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Sep 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 1 Jan 2027 24 hours
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BBC (BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
W1A 1AA
Post Town
West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
West End
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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