This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Aug 2026 at 13:41

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "UK3 715874471 - British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Safe Operating Environment (SOE)". This initiative, valued at a gross amount of £23,500,000, focuses on services related to the safety operations of military training environments, including range clearance, aerial firefighting, and general aviation support. The initiative is centred in Kenya and is part of a selective procurement process under a competitive flexible procedure. The procedure includes a two-stage tender process with an expression of interest deadline set for 30th November 2026, while the contract period is expected to commence from 1st November 2027 and last until 31st October 2037, with an optional extension of up to 18 months.

This procurement offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in aviation and safety services, particularly those with capabilities in piloted aircraft and helicopters, as well as aerial firefighting. The tender is structured to provide a secure operating environment, which can serve as a substantial project for firms in the defence and aviation industries. Businesses meeting the qualification criteria for financial and technical capabilities can benefit from the long-term contract and strategic engagement with the Ministry of Defence, a central government authority. The procurement’s focus on safety and operational efficiency makes it an ideal opportunity for established companies with a track record in similar environments and services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

UK3 715874471 - British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Safe Operating Environment (SOE)

Notice Description

Links to the previous notices: UK1 Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067825-2025? UK2 Notice original: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077395-2025? UK2 Notice updated: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001224-2026 Due to a technical issue affecting notice linking, the related previous notices cannot be electronically linked to this notice. The relevant notices have therefore been referenced above for transparency and ease of access. Procurement description: (1) The Safe Operating Environment (SOE), provides a capability available during daylight hours, at the Authority's priority, to conduct: (a) Range Clearance: Planned capability available at a prearranged time and date outlined during regular liaison in order to assess training (trg) facilities and Training Area (TA) infrastructure for safety, intercept TA incursions, assist with natural disasters, and, or respond to emergency situations that may lead to a loss of life, trg or impact the Authority's reputation. If necessary, the Authority will deploy a team to conduct ground command and control; RC platform may be re-tasked to assist. Additionally, a reactive, capability available during daylight hours when the Contractor is forward based, covering the Authority's exercises. (b) Aerial Fire Fighting (AFF): A capability, available during daylight hours, tasked at the Authority's priority providing fire suppression or wetting from the air, of a general area to ensure a SPTT. (c) General Aviation Support (GAS): Capability available through pre-arranged liaison and in accordance with the response state. This could include pax transfer, aviation recces, command and control platform, search, VIP movement and logistic/movement of materiel within the BATUK area of responsibility. (d) The detailed aviation Safe Operating Environment.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Extension period of up to 18 months. Please note, the Total value (estimated) Including VAT is inclusive of Kenyan VAT at 16%.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e180
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/076293-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

34711300 - Piloted aircraft

34711500 - Helicopters

35612300 - Support helicopters

60442000 - Aerial forest-firefighting services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£20,258,620 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£20,258,620 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Nov 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2027 - 31 Oct 2037 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ANDOVER
Postcode
SP11 8HT
Post Town
Salisbury
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ36 Central Hampshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Test Valley
Electoral Ward
Andover Millway
Westminster Constituency
North West Hampshire

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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