---
title: "UK SBS PR20018 BAS Aircraft Acquisition Prior Information Notice"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED"
published: "2020-09-30"
---

# UK SBS PR20018 BAS Aircraft Acquisition Prior Information Notice

Buyer: UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6

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## Summary

The UK Shared Business Services Limited is currently in the planning stage of the procurement process for the "UK SBS PR20018 BAS Aircraft Acquisition Prior Information Notice." This tender aims to source a new aircraft to support the British Antarctic Survey's Antarctic logistics and research initiatives for the next 25 years. The aircraft is expected to transport up to 3,000 kg of passengers and freight over a distance of 920 miles to the Rothera Research Station, which is located in Antarctica. The deadline for engagement is set for 9th October 2020, and interested suppliers are encouraged to participate in the scheduled Market Engagement Event, which was held virtually on 21st September 2020. The maximum budget for this procurement is estimated at £70 million, excluding additional costs related to infrastructure at Rothera.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses involved in aerospace manufacturing, especially those capable of providing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) aircraft. Companies specialising in designing and certifying aircraft for mixed passenger and freight loads under FAA or EASA regulations will find this procurement particularly relevant. Additionally, businesses that can offer whole-life design support, continuing airworthiness assistance, and spares support are also well-suited to participate. With an emphasis on competitive negotiation and potential leasing options, there is an avenue for varied business models to engage with this high-value contract.

## Notice

This PIN is to advise the market of BAS's current intentions regarding the procurement of a new Aircraft & to provide details on BAS's planned Market Engagement Event. BAS wishes to procure an aircraft from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to provide Antarctic airbridge and research support flying for 25 years. The aircraft should be capable of flying 3000Kg of passenger and freight loads 920 miles to & from the gravel runway at Rothera Research Station. The Rothera runway is 900 M long. The aircraft should be certified for mixed passenger and freight loads, under FAA or EASA regulation and the supplier must provide whole-life design, continuing airworthiness and spares support from airframe and propulsion OEMs. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) - delivers & enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. BAS is currently carrying out a major programme of Antarctic infrastructure and logistics modernisation, referred to as the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. This programme includes the procurement of a new air capability to support science into the future. BAS currently operates a Havilland Canada DHC-7 Series 110 (Dash 7) aircraft. The Dash 7 is nearing the end of its effective life; the aim of the upcoming procurement is to introduce a new aircraft in FY 2023/2024, & for it to conduct integration trials before replacing the Dash 7 in FY 2024/2025. The new aircraft's primary role will be to provide the Intercontinental Airbridge between Chile, South America and Falkland Islands to the BAS operated research station at Rothera, Antarctica. The airbridge provides the main route for scientists travelling to and from Antarctica, supports deep field science by with flying freight into a BAS ice runway, and maintains a long-range medical evacuation facility. The estimated maximum budget for the upcoming procurement is PS70,000,000, excluding aircraft related Rothera infrastructure costs. The budget includes initial aircraft purchase costs, including any essential aircraft adaptations, a period of pilot training and flight simulator costs, the supply of an initial spares order, maintenance equipment, and a period of direct Industry maintenance support to Rothera. BAS intends to follow the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation for the upcoming procurement. It is essential that BAS is able to thoroughly test & assure an aircraft type's suitability for operation from Rothera through dialogue with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). To enable this the OEM market is being approached. BAS intends to purchase an aircraft, however BAS will also be required to explore leasing options including costs in order to satisfy a full investment appraisal. Please refer to the additional information field for details on how to express an interest and information regarding the Market Engagement Event. Additional information: This PIN is to advise the market of BAS's current intentions regarding the procurement of a new Aircraft and to provide details on BAS's planned Market Engagement Event. The Market Engagement Event will be held virtually on 21st September 2020. This event will provide potential bidders with an opportunity to find out more about the requirement, the aims of the procurement and the proposed process as well as raise questions and provide valuable feedback. The Delta eSourcing portal will be used for both the pre-market engagement and the upcoming procurement. If this procurement is of interest please register and gain access to further information on the Delta eSourcing portal, by following the URL: https://delta-esourcing.com/respond/8T7Q4E49VJ Once you have gained access to the Delta esourcing portal, there is a short mandatory Expression of Interest questionnaire for you to complete. This questionnaire requests your Organisation details and your nominated attendees for the planned Market Engagement Event. Please ensure this is completed no later than 16:00 on the 16th September 2020. You will have access to Delta email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to this procurement. Please use this facility to raise any questions or feedback regarding this procurement. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information. Full details regarding the Market Engagement Event and any relevant documentation will be shared within the system. In the event that you are unable to attend, materials provided at the event will be available via the Delta eSourcing Portal. For technical assistance on use of the Delta e-Sourcing suite please contact the BiP Helpdesk via the Live Chat on their website, or Telephone: 0845 270 7050.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e5872d2b-6c1c-46e7-a1ba-cf1ce66ec0d3 |
| Notice type | Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Not specified |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 30 Sep 2020 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 9 Oct 2020 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED |
| Locality | SWINDON |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire |
| ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon |
| Local authority | Swindon |
| Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney |
| Westminster constituency | Swindon North |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

### Codes

- 34710000 - Helicopters, aeroplanes, spacecraft and other powered aircraft

## Release History

- 30 Sep 2020 at 17:06 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e5872d2b-6c1c-46e7-a1ba-cf1ce66ec0d3
- 3 Sep 2020 at 16:29 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e5872d2b-6c1c-46e7-a1ba-cf1ce66ec0d3
- 27 Aug 2020 at 10:24 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e5872d2b-6c1c-46e7-a1ba-cf1ce66ec0d3

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e5872d2b-6c1c-46e7-a1ba-cf1ce66ec0d3
  30th September 2020 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder

## Notice URLs

- https://delta-esourcing.com/respond/8T7Q4E49VJ

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-fab56e44-b93e-440f-8c25-9e9b336124c6.json.
