Scope
Reference
TCA 3/7/1819
Description
HM Coastguard (HMCG) helicopters and planes, provided under the UKSAR2G contract, have a primary role to provide search and rescue. However, they undertake a range of other missions in support of wider MCA objectives and those of other government departments.
In addition the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) require an Aerial Surveillance service to provide near real time situational awareness in support of specialised SAR operations.
Therefore the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is planning to undertake a procurement for this additional Aerial Surveillance service. HMCG will procure for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that can supply the information required. This service will not require national coverage.
Potentially, during a high-risk times, a Coastguard surveillance asset could be operating for a full 24-hour period extending into consecutive days and sometimes weeks.
Respondents should bear in mind that the MCA will take a solution agnostic approach to the procurement and is open to different technological approaches, providing they can demonstrably meet the requirement to provide persistent maritime situational awareness in areas of need.
This initial market questionnaire aims to, at a high level, understand the scale, knowledge and capability of the market along with what appetite there is for delivering this service. The MCA would like to understand a broad overview of how you would deliver the service and what costs that would entail over what is an anticipated 5 year contract.
Total value (estimated)
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2032
- 6 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60443100 - Air-sea rescue services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
11 July 2025
Engagement process description
Related documents will be available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/.
Once you have accessed the e-procurement portal, please navigate to pqq_604 - Provision of Aerial Surveillance for HMCG to register an interest.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCWN-9665-QVMZ
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
United Kingdom
Email: Contracts@mcga.gov.uk
Region: UKJ32 - Southampton
Organisation type: Public authority - central government