Scope
Reference
UKRI-5021
Description
The purpose of this contract is to charter a helicopter to be stationed aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, in order to conduct scientific research along the coast of Greenland.
Total value (estimated)
- £350,000 excluding VAT
- £420,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 February 2026 to 31 August 2026
- Possible extension to 30 September 2026
- 7 months, 6 days
Description of possible extension:
Extension of 1 month to allow for potential delays such as weather issues or mechanical issues.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew
Contract locations
- GL - Greenland
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 January 2026, 4:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 February 2026, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please note the following steps for accessing this opportunity via the Atamis eSourcing platform: https://ukri2.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a1MTm000009T7AbMAK&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=
1. Log in or create an account here: https://ukri2.my.site.com
2. Navigate to the opportunity in the Find an Opportunity section of the site or via the direct access link above.
3. Select Register Interest (you will not be able to view the tender documentation without registering an interest).
4. Go back to the main menu and navigate to the My Proposals and Quotes section of the site.
5. Select the opportunity from the list. Tender Documents for download are found in the Documents tab.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
9 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70.00% |
| Cost | Cost | 30.00% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Risks include weather abnormalities, mechanical issues and personnel issues.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Email: nercprocurement@ukri.org
Website: https://www.ukri.org/
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government