Scope
Description
Provision of spares and Post Design Services including ad hoc tasking, repairs and modifications for Passenger Short Term Air Supply System, to provide on going support to the current in-service capability.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £194,166.67 excluding VAT
- £233,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
30 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 30 September 2028
- 2 years, 6 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
One 6 month Option
Main procurement category
Goods
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract is for 2 years but includes an option to extend for a further 6 months at the Authority's discretion.
CPV classifications
- 44611200 - Breathing apparatus
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Defence and security
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
The Air Enablers Delivery Team, part of the Ministry of Defence, intends to award a contract to Apex Marine Equipment Limited (Apex) for the provision of spare parts and post design services for the Passenger Short Term Air Supply System (the System), which is carried by passengers on rotary wing helicopters (Wildcat, Chinook, Merlin and Dauphin N2) and provides air the event of an emergency where the helicopter sinks under water. The contract will be for a term of 2 years plus one 6 month option and have an estimated value of £233,000 including VAT.
It is considered that this contract can be awarded under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (single supplier – technical reasons) applies.
This is because Apex is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the System and has supported it since it was introduced into service in 2007. Only the OEM has the technical expertise, including designs, drawings and data packs, to maintain a vital piece of safety equipment and meet Military Aviation Authority (MAA) airworthiness requirements. There are no reasonable alternatives.
Supplier
Apeks Marine Equipment Limited
- Companies House: 01231692
Neptune Way
Blackburn
BB1 2BT
United Kingdom
Email: aboakes@aqualung.com
Region: UKD41 - Blackburn with Darwen
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Defence Equipment and Support
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRL-5831-GLMM
MOD Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
United Kingdom
Email: rodney.gardiner115@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-equipment-and-support
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government