Scope
Reference
ID07301
Description
MAG are seeking to invite tenders to establish a Framework Agreement for Departure Manager (DMAN) systems at our Manchester (MAN) and London Stansted (STN) Airports).
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) currently uses Pre-Departure Sequencer (PDS) systems at Manchester (MAN) and London Stansted (STN) airports to support air traffic controllers (ATCOs), but these systems depend heavily on human expertise and lack the comprehensive functionality of a Departure Management (DMAN) system. In response to the 2022 amendment to the Air Traffic Management Regulation (EU No 716/2014), MAG is now required to implement DMAN systems at both airports, marking a significant move toward more intelligent and integrated airport operations. Additionally, MAG plans to install new Electronic Flight Progress Strip (EFPS) systems with Integrated Controller Working Positions (ICWP), with completion targeted for 2028 at Manchester and 2032 at Stansted. To meet these timelines, fully operational and standardised replacement systems must be in place at each airport by their respective deadlines.
There is a need for the successful supplier to supply a highly adaptable, interoperable and integrated solution for the implementation of a DMAN system in accordance with the Requirements set out in the tender documentation. Further information and full details are enclosed within the tender documents.
Suppliers that wish to express an interest in this opportunity and view the tender documentation should firstly register your company on the MAG portal, at the following URL, and select "Register your interest": https://www.magairports.com/work-with-us/procurement-and-contracts/ .
Once you have registered please email gary.sadler@magairports.com and stephen.thirlwell@magairports.com to advise that you have registered on the Portal. You will then be given access to the project documents via SAP Ariba. Details on how to provide a response to MAG are detailed in the documentation. Bidders must submit their tender documentation via SAP Ariba.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £5,000,000 excluding VAT
- £6,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 May 2026 to 10 May 2033
- Possible extension to 10 May 2041
- 15 years
Description of possible extension:
The Framework will be let for an initial period of 7 years with potential further extensions taking it through to 15 years in total.
This potential framework length will allow MAG to call off any maintenance and support requirements long beyond the initial implementation at each airport.
The extensions may be exercised at MAG's discretion based on a range of factors including business needs and circumstances
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
MAG shall have the option to procure any hardware, software, licences, product upgrades, or services that relate to or are ancillary to the main purpose of the contract notice and / or that are required in order to receive the benefit of the applicable goods or services being procured.
All airports as currently part of the MAG Group reserve the right to potentially procure similar DMAN systems for these airport(s) through the resulting framework agreement.
In the event that MAG acquires any other airport(s), we also reserve the right to potentially procure similar DMAN systems for these airport(s) through the resulting framework agreement.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 48120000 - Flight control software package
- 72212100 - Industry specific software development services
- 72212121 - Air traffic control software development services
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
1
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Justification for framework term over 8 years
Multiple extensions are anticipated.
An initial 7 year framework agreement is anticipated with further potential extensions taking it through to 15 years in total. This potential framework length will allow MAG to call off any maintenance and support requirements long beyond the initial implementation at each of the three airports.
The extensions may be exercised at MAG's discretion based on a range of factors including business needs and circumstances.
Framework operation description
Pricing will be required and evaluated at the Invitation to Negotiate Stage
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Further information will be available in the tender documentation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Further information will be available in the tender documentation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 December 2025, 2:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
23 January 2026, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
If you are wishing to express an interest in this opportunity and wish to view the tender documents please firstly register your company details on the MAG portal, on the following URL, and select "Register your interest":
https://www.magairports.com/work-with-us/procurement-and-contracts/
Once you have registered please email gary.sadler@magairports.com and stephen.thirlwell@magairports.com to advise that
you have registered on the Portal. You will then be given access to the project documents via SAP Ariba.
Details on how to provide a response to MAG are detailed in the documentation.
Bidders must submit their ITN Responses via the SAP Ariba Portal.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
11 May 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Please refer to the tender documentation. |
Quality |
| Commercial | Whole life Cost is being considered. Please refer to the tender documentation. |
Cost |
| ESG / CSR | Please refer to the tender documentation. |
Quality |
Weighting description
Quality/Technical - 60%
Sustainable Procurement - 10%
Commercial - 30%
Total 100%
Further details are included in the tender documentation.
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
Stage 1 - Selection Questionnaire
Stage 2 - Technical Stage Submissions, Contract Comments & Presentations
Stage 3 - Best and Final Offers (BAFO) and Negotiation Meetings
Stage 4 - Award
Further details are included in the tender documentation.
Contracting authority
MAG AIRPORT LIMITED
- Companies House: 11748654
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHNZ-5718-LHXL
6th Floor, Olympic House
Manchester
M90 1QX
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)