Scope
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
Contract dates (estimated)
- 7 January 2027 to 31 December 2032
- 5 years, 11 months, 25 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79714000 - Surveillance services
- 60443100 - Air-sea rescue services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
Engagement process description
Aerial Surveillance industry event
30 September 2025
1330 - 1500
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.
The MCA will be hosting an online industry event and will cover a variety of topics including
• Background
• Current provision
• Technical requirements
• Procurement approach
Questions can be submitted in advance via the Jaggaer portal and the MCA will aim to answer them during the event. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the event, these can be asked anonymously.
The MCA is providing current proposed procurement information and reserves the right to amend and update information at any time. MCA has no liability for the completeness of information. This is an introductory session and the MCA holds no liability, commitment or agreement to anything discussed.
If you wish to join this event and have not previously engaged in consultation activity for the provision of Aerial Surveillance you are required create an account on Jaggaer if you do not already have one.
The portal can be accessed using the following link
Once you have accessed the e-procurement portal, please navigate to pqq_648 - Provision of Aerial Surveillance for HMCG to register an interest. Once registered you will be sent information for the event.
If you have previously answered the Market Questionnaire, information will be sent via the Jaggaer portal.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
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