Future opportunity

Helicopter Support Services Framework Agreement (2025-2029)

  • Natural Resources Wales

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice reference: 2024/S 000-021363

Published 12 July 2024, 10:34am



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Natural Resources Wales

Ty Cambria House, 29 Newport Road

Cardiff

CF24 0TP

Contact

Naomi Hammond

Email

Naomi.hammond@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Telephone

+44 3000653000

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKL - Wales

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Buyer's address

https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA0110

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at

https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk/home.html

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Helicopter Support Services Framework Agreement (2025-2029)

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

NRW is seeking to award a Four-year framework for the supply of helicopter support services for

firefighting, reconnaissance during fires and post fire damage assessment, and to assist flooding

incidents. At this early stage, NRW is keen to hear from skilled and experienced contractors with suitable equipment to consider a range of options to provide an efficiency and cost effective service.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £1,000,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 90700000 - Environmental services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKL - Wales

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NRW is carrying out pre-tender market engagement with contractors interested in providing helicopter service to support the FRS where a fire has become well established and/or is out of control on the land we manage or neighbouring land where conditions pose a threat to our land. NRW may occasionally through this framework support firefighting on other public bodies land e.g. National Parks. The helicopter may also be used at fire sites for reconnaissance during fires and post fire damage assessment.

- The number and extent of the wildfires each year will determine the support NRW will require. This is impacted by the weather conditions during the peak wild fire period, (March to August). Due to this unpredictability, NRW does not guarantee any work under this framework.

- Firefighting will require local onsite conditions to be assessed and then the accurate application of water along the leading edge of the fire (fire front) unless directed otherwise by the FRS.

- Filling of the “bambi bucket” or similar will take place from the nearest water source to the fire aiming for the minimal time between applications of water on the fire.

- NRW are considering either single supplier or multiple supplier options and engagement with contract recourse will help understand the risks, opportunities and limitations for both options.

Contractors operating across Wales are encouraged to get in touch to discuss the work and contract opportunities in their local areas. Contractor input is strongly encouraged so NRW can put in place efficient procurement that works well for all parties. During this open pre-tender market engagement period contractors are invited to:

- Attend a face-to-face meeting with NRW Procurement and Project staff (various locations available)

- Attend an online MS Teams meeting with NRW Procurement and project staff

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

14 October 2024


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=142973.

(WA Ref:142973)