Falklands SAR and Support helicopter tender announcement .

[meanttobe]

Awarding Authority: Special Projects Multi-Air Platform Project Team, DE&S Defence Equipment and Support


Search and rescue helicopters. Air-rescue services. Air-sea rescue services. The primary requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Service with consideration given to industry provision of a Support Helicopter Service.

Do Bristow have it in the bag .

[helihub]

Why would Bristow "have it in the bag"? CHC already have an (offshore rig support) base in the Falklands, and Bristow do not, so that's CHC likely in the mix too. You might even say "CHC have it in the bag" on that basis

[Genie the Greenie]

Will it not be a case of Bristow and Bond (Avincis) being in the hunt again just like in the UK. Especially if it comes down to a DfT type of tender or is this one going to fall under MoD?

[firebird_uk]

According to the British International Helicopters website they already have 2 S61Ns based at the Falklands with a full support crew. I'd have thought they'd also be bidding for this contract.

[Genie the Greenie]

Fair point Firebird. BIH have been there for many years however does its new owners have the financial support to invest in new machines. The S61 is a fine machine but, once again, it's getting to the end of it's days.

[RGA]

Anyone know where and when the tender for the Falklands is and was announced ?

[Genie the Greenie]

It's on the DCI website. Issued 2 August. You need a login and password to see the body of the tender.

[meanttobe]

UK-Bristol: Search and rescue helicopters.


Publication date: 02/08/2013
Duration of contract: Check Contract
Value of contract: Check Contract
EAV: Check Contract
http://www.dcicontracts.com/styles/DCI/img/iconWarning.gif




02 Aug 2013

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom

UK-Bristol: Search and rescue helicopters.

Section I: Contracting Authority

I.1)Name, Addresses and Contact Point(s):

Special Projects Multi-Air Platform Project Team, DE&S
Defence Equipment and Support (DE & S), Special Projects Multi Air Platforms Project Team, Yew 1a #1141, MoD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 3067982975, Fax. +44 1179131943, Email: [email protected]
Attn: SPMAP Commercial Deputy Manager 1

Further information can be obtained at: As Above

Specifications and additional documents: As Above

Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to: As Above

I.2)Type of the contracting authority:

Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local sub-divisions

I.3) Main activity:

Defence

I.4) Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities:

The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: No

Section II: Object Of The Contract: SERVICES

II.1)Description

II.1.1)Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority: Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Service

II.1.2)Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance: SERVICES

Service Category: 3

II.1.3) Information about a public contract, a framework or a dynamic purchasing system:The notice involves a public contract

II.1.5)Short description of the contract or purchase:

Search and rescue helicopters. Air-rescue services. Air-sea rescue services. The primary requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Service with consideration given to industry provision of a Support Helicopter Service. The Authority intends to make a decision regarding its need for the Support Helicopter Service prior to Contract award and reserves the right not to contract for the Support Helicopter Service. If a Support Helicopter Service is included at contract award, the contract will include options to increase or decrease the volume of flying hours during the contract period. Compliance to all relevant International, National and Local laws, legislation and obligations applicable to this requirement is required both in the contract award procedure and during the term of any resultant contract. European Regulation (EC) 216/2008 defines search and rescue as a state activity therefore the service will be regulated through UK Government (Department for Transport).

Search and Rescue (SAR) Service

An all-weather SAR helicopter service, able to operate throughout the Falklands Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SAR service must be responsive, able to search a wide area of interest, locate and recover both military personnel (including fast jet ejectees) and civilians, and medically stabilize those casualties/survivors from all risk areas including mountainous terrain and the maritime environment. The service must support training activities and be capable of moving equipment by under-slung load (including a fire-fighting bucket) to casualties, emergency crews, and maritime shipping.

Support Helicopter (SH) Service

The secondary requirement is for a SH Service able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SH service must be able to transport a range of freight including under-slung loads and personnel.

II.1.6)Common Procurement Vocabulary:

35612500 - Search and rescue helicopters.

60443000 - Air-rescue services.

60443100 - Air-sea rescue services.

II.1.7) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA):

The contract is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): Yes

II.1.8)Lots:

This contract is divided into lots: No

II.1.9)Information about variants:

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2)Quantity Or Scope Of The Contract

II.2.1)Total quantity or scope:

The primary requirement is for the procurement of Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Services, with consideration given to Industry provision of Support Helicopter Service. The Authority intends to make a decision regarding its need for the Support Helicopter Service prior to Contract award and reserves the right not to contract for the Support Helicopter Service. The planning assumption for service commencement date is no later than 01 Apr 16. The SAR Service will require helicopter(s) with a minimum rescue capacity per aircraft of 2 casualties/survivors both of which are capable of being stretchered and a minimum radius of action of 150nm. The SAR Service is required 365 days a year on a 24hr basis. The secondary requirement for a SH Service requires helicopter(s) capable of transporting personnel and freight (including internal and under-slung loads), or a mixture of both. It is anticipated that the total contract duration will be 10 years from service commencement date, with options to extend for up to a further period of 24 months. Payment will be made against service delivery.

Estimated value excluding VAT:

Range between: 100,000,000 and 150,000,000

Currency: GBP

II.2.2)Options: Yes

If yes, description of these options: There will be options to extend the contract for up to a further period of 24 months and additionally the potential option for varying the levels of SH. The exercising of any options will be at the sole discretion of the contracting authority.

II.2.3)Information about renewals:

This contract is subject to renewal: No

II.3)Duration Of The Contract Or Time-Limit For Completion

Duration in months: 120 (from the award of the contract)

Information About Lots

Section III: Legal, Economic, Financial And Technical Information

III.1)Conditions relating to the contract

III.1.1)Deposits and guarantees required:

The Authority reserves the right to ask for any indemnity, guarantee or bank bond.

III.1.2)Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions governing them:

Bids are to be priced in sterling and payment will be made in sterling. Conditions

relating to financing and payment will be specified in the contractual documentation.

Payment will be made electronically.

III.1.3)Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded:

If a group of economic operators submits a bid, the group must nominate a lead organisation to deal with the Authority. The Authority shall require the group to form a legal entity before entering into the Contract.

III.1.4)Other particular conditions:

The performance of the contract is subject to particular conditions: No

III.2)Conditions For Participation

III.2.1)Personal situation of economic operators, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers:

In response to the Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), applicants will be required to confirm that none of the circumstances mentioned in Regulation 23(1) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 and Article 39 of Directive 2009/81/EC affect them.

III.2.2)Economic and financial capacity

Economic and financial capacity - means of proof required:

Minimum Level(s) of standards possibly required:

In response to the PQQ companies are required to provide one hard copy of their audited accounts for the most recent two years. Where a consortium or association is proposed, this information must be provided for each member company. Where the Potential Provider is a subsidiary of a group, the financial information is required for both the subsidiary and the parent company.

III.2.3)Technical capacity

Technical capacity - means of proof required

Minimum Level(s) of standards possibly required:

In response to the PQQ companies are required to confirm and provide evidence of current/recent i.e. since 1 January 2003, delivery of Search and Rescue Helicopter Services for a National Authority and/or for the Oil and Gas Industry.

Companies are required to confirm their willingness to obtain the required security clearances. Some personnel must be cleared to Security Check (SC).

III.2.4)Information about reserved contracts: Not Provided

III.3)Conditions Specific To Service Contracts

III.3.1)Information about a particular profession:

Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: No

III.3.2)Staff responsible for the execution of the service:

Legal persons should indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff responsible for the execution of the service: No

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1)Type Of Procedure

IV.1.1)Type of procedure: Negotiated

Some candidates have already been selected: No

IV.1.2)Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate:

Envisaged minimum number: 3 and maximum number: 4

Objective Criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:

Interested suppliers are invited to apply immediately for a PQQ by contacting the Authority, details at Para 1.1, with their Expression of Interest in response to this Contract Notice. Potential suppliers are required to send the Authority a completed PQQ providing information that allows the Authority to evaluate the supplier's capacities and capabilities. Please note the deadline for the Authority's receipt of the completed PQQ response is 12 September 2013 (12/09/13). Full details of the method for selection is set out in the PQQ.

IV.1.3)Reduction of the number of operators during the negotiation or dialogue: Yes

IV.2)Award Criteria

IV.2.1)Award criteria:

The most economically advantageous tender in terms of

The criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document

IV.2.2)Information about electronic auction:

An electronic auction will be used: No

IV.3)Administrative Information

IV.3.1)File reference number attributed by the contracting authority: SPMAP/0038

IV.3.2)Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract: No

IV.3.3)Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document:

Payable documents: No

IV.3.4)Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date: 12/09/2013

Time: 12:00

IV.3.5)Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates: Not Provided

IV.3.6)Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up: English

Section VI: Complementary Information

VI.1)This Is A Recurrent Procurement: No

VI.2)Information about European Union funds:

The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

VI.3)Additional Information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement, and the contract will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.Suppliers interested in working with the Ministry of Defence should register on the MOD Supplier Information Database (SID) Register, available at MOD-DCO | Defence Contracts Online (http://www.contracts.mod.uk). The MOD SID is a database of active and potential suppliers available to all MOD and UK Defence procurement personnel, and is the main supplier database of MOD Procurement organisations. Please note: the registration and publication of a company profile on the MOD SID does not mean or imply that the supplier has in any way been vetted or approved by the MOD. Suppliers wishing to compete for advertised MOD contracts must respond to any specific call for competition by submitting a separate expression of interest in accordance with the instructions of the purchasing organisation.

Advertising Regime OJEU: - This contract opportunity is published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU),the MoD Defence Contracts Bulletin and MOD-DCO | Defence Contracts Online (http://www.contracts.mod.uk)

The SAR service is currently provided by the Authority with maintenance support provided by Industry, and the current SH service is provided by Industry. The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement, and the contract will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.

The authority expressly reserves the following rights:

(1) Not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by the publication of this notice;

(2) In no circumstances will the authority be liable for any costs incurred by the candidates for participation, preparation and attendance at events relating to this Contract notice;

(3)The contracting authority reserves the right to require any candidate to clarify in writing any information provided in its submission and/or provide additional information (and failure to respond adequately may result in the candidate being disqualified);

(4) The contracting authority reserves the right to disqualify immediately any candidate who submits misleading or incomplete information.

Interested parties are invited to submit their expression of interest immediately to the Issuing Branch identified in Section I.1, The Pre Qualification Questionnaire will be provided upon receipt of each Expression of Interest– please note the deadline for the MoD’s receipt of the completed PQQ response is 12 September 2013 (12/09/13). The Contracting Authority is procuring this Contract on the basis of the negotiated procedure. However, in providing a PQQ interested parties must be aware that, in line with the principle of transparency, the contracting authority's strong preference is to limit negotiation to the minimum necessary and reserves the right to limit the topics that are open for negotiation. Any matters that are non-negotiable will be identified in the documentation that is issued to short-listed bidders. Tenders and all supporting documentation must be priced in pounds sterling. Any resulting contract will be considered a contract made in England according to English law. Compliance with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to environmental and safety regulations, is required both in the contract award procedure and during the term of any resultant contract. Applicants should note that transparency requirements will be a condition of the proposed contract. Those requirements will permit the contracting authority to publish the text of the contract and information contained within tenders, subject to possible redactions at the discretion of the contracting authority. The information contained in this notice, including the CPV codes, is neither exhaustive nor binding, and may be amended at the time of issue of any further notice or notices or at any other time at the discretion of the contracting authority. Bidders may wish to note that the successful tenderer may, in particular, acquire rights and obligations arising from the contracts of employment relating to some of those people involved with the provision of search and rescue, and support helicopter if included, services on the date of the transfer of that function to the successful tenderer. The Contracting Authority may wish to acquire an option to use assets used by the bidder for the purposes of the contract where the bidder commits a serious default under the contract.

VI.4)Procedures For Appeal

VI.4.1)Body responsible for appeal procedures:

Special Projects Multi-Air Platform Project Team, DE&S
Yew 1a #1141, MoD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 3067982975, Fax. +44 1179131943, Email: [email protected]

Body responsible for mediation procedures:

Special Projects Multi-Air Platform Project Team, DE&S

VI.4.2)Lodging of appeals: Not Provided

VI.4.3)Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained:

Special Projects Multi-Air Platform Project Team, DE&S

VI.5) Date Of Dispatch Of This Notice: 02/08/2013

CONTRACT DESCRIPTION


Search and rescue helicopters. Air-rescue services. Air-sea rescue services. The primary requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Service with consideration given to industry provision of a Support Helicopter Service. The Authority intends to make a decision regarding its need for the Support Helicopter Service prior to Contract award and reserves the right not to contract for the Support Helicopter Service. If a Support Helicopter Service is included at contract award, the contract will include options to increase or decrease the volume of flying hours during the contract period. Compliance to all relevant International, National and Local laws, legislation and obligations applicable to this requirement is required both in the contract award procedure and during the term of any resultant contract. European Regulation (EC) 216/2008 defines search and rescue as a state activity therefore the service will be regulated through UK Government (Department for Transport). Search and Rescue (SAR) Service An all-weather SAR helicopter service, able to operate throughout the Falklands Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SAR service must be responsive, able to search a wide area of interest, locate and recover both military personnel (including fast jet ejectees) and civilians, and medically stabilize those casualties/survivors from all risk areas including mountainous terrain and the maritime environment. The service must support training activities and be capable of moving equipment by under-slung load (including a fire-fighting bucket) to casualties, emergency crews, and maritime shipping. Support Helicopter (SH) Service The secondary requirement is for a SH Service able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SH service must be able to transport a range of freight including under-slung loads and personnel.

[OvertHawk]

It looks as if the Support Helicopter section may be specified to replace the existing stand-alone SH contract currently carried out by the S61's.

Looks like the MOD may be giving contractors the opportunity to combine both the SAR and SH contract.

BIH's contract must be up for renewal very soon? (unless it's been renewed already?)

OH

[VP-F__]

recently renewed for the next three years

[Gene Genie]

BIH contract extended to end Mar 16 to tie in with OSD date of Mil Sea Kings down there.

Likely a single company to provide both services. New service may even be on place before the above date.

CHC were until recently operating in support of oil & gas exploration from Stanley Airport.

GG

[Genie the Greenie]

Local operation, big financial return. Could be open to several companies:Bristow (likely favourites)CHC (alreday there so in a good position)Bond (not in the area and no local experience, outsider)BIH (would have to invest in new technology but good relationship with the military)Also rans: NHV, Dancopter, Inear (Bond)10 years secure employment no doubt on a good rotation...no different to working in Stornaway or Shetland just a longer commute.

[meanttobe]

List of bidders for Falklands SAR

24
APR
2014
Type of document: Tender issued
Country: United Kingdom

MOD Contract Bidders Notice

GB-Bristol: Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Services

Region Codes:: Not Provided

Section I: Contract Title

Contract Title: GB-Bristol: Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Services

Section II: Identification Numbers

MOD Contract Notice Nr: SPMAP/0038

ITT Number: SPMAP/0038

Section III: Relevant Dates

Proposed/Estimated ITT Issue Date: 31/03/2014

Proposed/Estimated ITT Return Date: 20/05/2014

Proposed Issue Date of Contract: 01/02/2015

Proposed Completion Date of Contract: 31/03/2026

Section IV: Issuing Branch / Organisation Details

Notice Address

Official Name: Ministry of Defence, Helicopters

Address: Special Projects - Multi Air Platform Project Team, Yew 1A, #1141, MoD Abbey Wood

Town: Bristol

Telephone: +44 (0)306 79 83895

Email: [email protected]

For attention of: Milon Uddin

Postcode: BS34 8JH

Country: United Kingdom

Fax: 0117 91 31943

Internet Address: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence

Section V: Product / Service Descriptor Code

Industry Codes:

35612500 - Search and rescue helicopters.

60443100 - Air-sea rescue services.

60443000 - Air-rescue services.

Section VI: Summary of Requirements / Description of Work

Summary of Requirements / Description of Work: Search and rescue helicopters. Air-sea rescue services. Air-rescue services. The requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue and Support Helicopter Services.

Search and Rescue Service

The primary requirement is for a 24 hour, 365 days per year, all weather SAR helicopter service, able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SAR service must be responsive, able to search a wide area of interest, locate and recover both military personnel (including fast jet ejectees) and civilians, and medically stabilise those casualties/survivors from all risk areas including mountainous terrain and the maritime environment. The service must support training activities and be capable of moving equipment by under-slung load (including a fire-fighting bucket) to casualties, emergency crews and maritime shipping.

Support Helicopter Service

The secondary requirement is for a SH service is able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in maritime environment. The SH service must be able to transport a range of freight including under-slung load and personnel.

Section VII: Contract Strategy

Contract Strategy: Prime Contract

Section VIII: Contractors Invited to Bid

Contractors Invited to Bid:

Official name: CHC Scotia Ltd

Postal Address: CHC House, Howe Moss Drive, Kirkhill Industrial Estate

City: Dyce, Aberdeen

Postcode: AB21 0GL

Country: United Kingdom

ContactPoint:

For Attention Of: Ian McLuskie

Telephone: 01224 846000

Email: [email protected]

Fax:

Is a contractor classed as a SME? No

Official name: AAR International Inc

Postal Address: 2301 Commerce Park Drive NE, Palm Bay, Florida

City:

Postcode: 32905

Country: United States

ContactPoint: Christian Thomas

For Attention Of: Christian Thomas

Telephone: USA 321 837 2467

Email: [email protected]

Fax: USA 321 355 0231

Is a contractor classed as a SME? No

Official name: FB Heliservices Ltd

Postal Address: Jameson House, Lutyens Close, Chineham Court, Basingstoke

City: Hampshire

Postcode: RG24 8AG

Country: United Kingdom

ContactPoint:

For Attention Of: Mr Andrew Upton

Telephone: 01256 316116

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 01256 316140

Is a contractor classed as a SME? No

Official name: Bristow Helicopters Ltd

Postal Address: Dyce Avenue

City: Dyce Avenue

Postcode: AB21 0LQ

Country: United Kingdom

ContactPoint:

For Attention Of: Simon Tye

Telephone: 01224 723151

Email: [email protected]

Fax:

Is a contractor classed as a SME? No

Official name: Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd, Avincis Group

Postal Address: 8th Floor, Kings Buildings, 16 Smith Square

City: London

Postcode: SW1P 3HQ

Country: United Kingdom

ContactPoint: Dr Paul Beadle

For Attention Of: Dr Paul Beadle

Telephone: 0207 93 21600

Email: [email protected]

Fax:

Is a contractor classed as a SME? No
Contract Description
Search and rescue helicopters. Air-sea rescue services. Air-rescue services. The requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue and Support Helicopter Services. Search and Rescue Service The primary requirement is for a 24 hour, 365 days per year, all weather SAR helicopter service, able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SAR service must be responsive, able to search a wide area of interest, locate and recover both military personnel (including fast jet ejectees) and civilians, and medically stabilise those casualties/survivors from all risk areas including mountainous terrain and the maritime environment. The service must support training activities and be capable of moving equipment by under-slung load (including a fire-fighting bucket) to casualties, emergency crews and maritime shipping. Support Helicopter Service The secondary requirement is for a SH service is able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in maritime environment. The SH service must be able to transport a range of freight including under-slung load and personnel.

[satsuma]

Suggested tactic for bidders - undercut the rest by 20%. George Osborne will love you forever.

[[email protected]]

Although the SAR is 24/7 cover, it won't get used much whereas the SH element is the life-blood of the islands and will be used extensively.

[meanttobe]

AAR inclusion in the bidding may bring the S92 into play. They currently have 2 S92 on contract in afganistan for both troop transport and general support work.however they would require a major mod to fit them for SAR work.

BRS may get a good rate on 2 extra S92 tagged onto the back of UKSAR requirements.

CHC may not want to stretch to using an S92 and will pitch the Puma L2 .
Avincis / Babcock may also pitch the L2 possible depending on the outcome of the North Sea jigsaw renewal.

FB could go the lease route with a pair of L2 from Vector aerospace or maybe Heli One if CHC are unsuccessful. Upcoming O&G opportunity with Bedrock Drilling out of Port Stanely who ever wins the SAR contract would like to have some sort of fleet commonality for spares and possible crew crossover.

[helisniper]

So let's get this right, we'll soon have 60 Chinooks, twenty-something Puma 2s after a £200m upgrade, a load of Merlins being upgraded and marinised, and we still have to put civilian helicopters into the isolated and vulnerable Falkland Islands? Meanwhile the military helicopters will have no operational theatres to service for the first time in decades.

Madness!

[ShyTorque]

Hang on there, don't forget we're invading Ukraine in a couple of weeks time. We might need a few in reserve for that.

[cyclic]

Can't see a L2 being suitable for the role down there.

[jonnyloove]

Are Carson fit S-61's not in the frame for Falklands or S-92's only..?

[[email protected]]

Helisniper - don't forget that the both the SH and SAR elements should be provided by the Falklands Govt rather than the British taxpayer - sending more mil assets down there achieves little and costs the MoD more since the FI Govt only pays about 10% of the cost of the military presence down there.

[OvertHawk]

Let's also remember that the Support helicopter provision has already been provided, admirably, by civilian operators for the best part of 30 years!

[meanttobe]

Sub contracting out the crewing of the new SAR /SH may give one of the bidders the competitive edge. It's not a new concept .

http://www.helioperations.co.uk/pdf/HeliOperations-CompanyProfile.pdf

[Sevarg]

A little bird tells me that there is news on the FI contract. Any one else heard anything? I'm hearing the new colour will be red, white and blue.

[pohm1]

Predominantly red or predominantly blue? ;-)

P1

[Sevarg]

Hard to say these days, more white and blue. The colours have changed from the old days.

[1helicopterppl]

Red white & blue perhaps using surplus 139's from Portland & Lee-on-Solent ? Or did somebody suggest it has to be S92 ?

[inputshaft]

I would think very unlikely to be 139. If it is to be a common airframe for SAR/SH, the 139 is far too small.

Also very unlikely to be S92. The tender specs were written around S61/Sea King performance so anybody bidding S92 would be way way overpriced compared to other contenders.

I'd put my money on an older model Super Puma, or the enduring S61 herself. It's pretty hard to beat the 61 for the type of SH done in the FIs. She's just getting a bit slow and lacking in payload for the longer range SAR role.

[Thomas coupling]

In March 2016, the last of almost 110 Sea Kings will be mothballed (stand fast Mk7 and some 4's).
You'd think the prospective contractors for this project (BiH) might consider buying these at £250,000 a pop???

[OvertHawk]

TC

I don't think you'd ever get those airframes onto the civvy register.

[212man]

I don't think you'd ever get those airframes onto the civvy register.

Surely an ideal use for the COMR concept? Previously only used with Civilian Type Certified aircraft (B212/412, AW139, SA365 etc), but I'm sure the MAA would have a mechanism to use military types on a COMR contract (some rules here: http://www.maa.mod.uk/linkedfiles/regulation/1000_series/ra1123.pdf)

[1helicopterppl]

Inputshaft,

ok if it's surplus 332's you're after how about Bond's two SAR 332L2's G-REDO/P ?

[Bravo73]

ok if it's surplus 332's you're after how about Bond's two SAR 332L2's G-REDO/P ?

Because they are still being used on the Jigsaw contract?

[shetlander]

Bigger and better things are planned for those SAR aircraft.

As stated they are not surplus yet as they are still being used for Jigsaw.

[Variable Load]

Bigger and better things are planned for those SAR aircraft

Like more of the same, so not bigger? In any case, plans are one thing, actual contracts are very different! Although I suspect you are correct for all the wrong reasons regarding these machines!

[jonnyloove]

How about the two Bristow SAR S-61 that are sitting Norwich are they not an option for the Falklands if Bristow has won it...?

[Hot_LZ]

On a slight tangent, one has heard that Bristow have secured the O&G support contract from the FI to start next year. Any info?

LZ

[1helicopterppl]

LZ,

Yes, first machine reportedly being prepared at Aberdeen & Inputshaft it's a S92.

[inputshaft]

1helicopterppl

Are you confusing contracts?

I said (always accepting that I could be wrong) that the S92 is probably an overkill for what the MOD is hoping to spend on the SH/SAR contract.

But LZ was talking about Bristow winning the O&G contract. For that the S92 would make a lot of sense and I was told that is what the customer wanted all along. That contract also had a AWSAR element in its original form.

(That isn't necessarily as ridiculous as might seem. The offshore SAR contract needs range, high capacity for 19+2 survivors, but maritime only. The BFFI SAR cab is for 2 stretchered survivors only, wouldn't have to be ultra long range, but would require overland and NVG training. So a big enough difference to result in different requirements for type, equipment and training and stop the cheque writers in Aberdeen and MOD from ever talking)

Two totally different contracts.
.......or maybe not. Maybe O&G and MOD ( and FI Gov) did do the sensible thing and talked

A combined bid for the two contracts would reduce the SAR element, support and service costs for the O&G customer and maybe lower the SH/SAR costs sufficiently for MOD to have the aircraft that they really need for the BFFI contract ( yes 1helicopterppl...S92:) )

[1helicopterppl]

Inputshaft

I have no knowledge of the contract details but you clearly do so tvm for the interesting post.

What I do know is that a S92 is being prepared for SAR role in the Falklands & there will also be a second machine idc.

[CopterDoctor]

CHC had 2 x L2's there for a little over a year in offshore support. With the onboard seat tanks fitted they worked well , although anti-ice version maybe even better. For a combined onshore support + offshore support and SAR role L2's would work a treat and with 225's now back on line ,there should be a few around. Being based at Mount Pleasant isn't for everyone though. Port Stanley was more civilised , but hangarage is a problem as the rag hangar built for CHC has now disintegrated.:)

[Older and Wiser]

Does anybody know how the FI SAR is going to pan out. Will it end up with BHL or the other bidder?

[chcoffshore]

Is it actually confirmed who the contract has been awarded to?

[Non-Driver]

BRS just put this out - same, different or related ?


Bristow Group Announces Multi-Year Contracts Including New Clients And New Markets


Contracts expected to generate in excess of $2.8 billion in revenue


HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today in advance of the Johnson Rice Energy Conference, that since the beginning of calendar year 2014, it has secured several renewal and new multi-year contracts for oil and gas and search and rescue operations (SAR). These contracts provide for a total of 31 large and five medium helicopters and are expected to generate in excess of $2.8 billion in revenue over the current life of the contracts.

Jonathan E. Baliff, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We continue to enter new markets by creating a more integrated logistics solution for our global clients. The renewal of existing contracts in Canada that were not previously disclosed and the securing of new contracts in new markets like the Falklands are proof of our ability to expand through a complete and differentiated suite of point to point transportation services. These successes derive from the innovation and close coordination that our operations, commercial, and finance teams bring to our clients every day, worldwide. These contract wins also exemplify the strong demand we continue to see for offshore logistics services, specifically as it relates to the increasing number of deepwater production facilities across the globe."

[Barotrauma]

Jeremy Akel, Bristow's Chief Operating Officer, said, "Our latest commercial successes illustrate the market's increasing confidence in the value proposition that the Bristow brand is delivering to our clients. Of particular note is the new contract in the Falkland Islands, which demonstrates Bristow's ability to deliver logistical support not only in developed basins but also in more remote emerging basins, making us the supplier of choice in the industry."

•A one-year contract for three large helicopters starting in February 2015 with a two-year option to support drilling operations. One aircraft will be used for crew change work, the second one will be dedicated to SAR operations while the third helicopter will have dual use;

Offshore Helicopter - Helicopter Transport ? Helicopter Services ? Transport Helicopters - bristowgroup.com (http://www.bristowgroup.com/)

[Non-Driver]

One year contract doesn't seem worth the effort.... Is that the correct bullet for the FI and not Norway work ?

[Older and Wiser]

Any news on this yet?

[inputshaft]

Announcement by mid Nov, was the last I heard.

[Clever Richard]

Paul Henry Copters Inc could be in with a shout.:ok:

[anotherpruner]

As of 14 November Bristow have been advertising for this -

"Having recently been awarded the contract for the provision of helicopter services in support of the 2015 Falkland Islands Drilling Campaign our European Business Unit currently has a number of openings for qualified Pilots, Engineers and Ops Staff, operating from new, purpose built facilities at Stanley Airport. Opportunities are available from early 2015 for an initial period of 10 months, with the possibility of an extension"

anotherpruner

[[email protected]]

A completely different contract.

[inputshaft]

Thank you Crab, I don't know how many times that has to be said.

[anotherpruner]

Apologises...I'll check facts first next time.

anotherpruner

[jimf671]

Announcement by mid Nov, was the last I heard.


Is your mid-November a bidder notification date?

Is there a cooling off period?

[inputshaft]

Fair question Jim, and I really don't know the answer. That's why I keep coming here to infill with whatever snippets of gossip are out there.

Obviously we're already at that point in time. Contract announcements frequently seem to slip by weeks or months.

[Thomas coupling]

It will either be end of November...failing that it will be Jan 2015.

[Peterspilot]

Lets hope its soon as I expect there are a few Crab aircrew hoping it cant come soon enough!

[No Vote Joe]

I know a chap who works on the current Brintel contract, who has just told me they've been informed that they are the preferred bidder and are now in a 30 day cooling off period.

Not sure of the procedure, but does this sound about right?

[[email protected]]

That is a good result if it is the case, Sparky and the boys and girls down there have been doing a sterling job for many years.:ok:

[No Vote Joe]

Apparently using Carsonised S61s for SH and 189s for SAR.

[heli1]

Carsonised S-61Ns sounds right...AW189s sounds Bristow.

[helisniper]

More like "AW189s sound optimistic" given the Apr 2016 in-service date:)

[1helicopterppl]

Inputshaft & Crab,

You repeatedly suggest that the Bristow Falklands contract is a different contract from a Falklands SAR contract ? however, the first Bristow S92 has been reported on its way via Southampton Docks, the second machine is reportedly a spare in interim Coastguard colours with Bristow titles, the third machine reportedly a full time SAR machine.

Can you substantiate your comments please ?

[[email protected]]

The Bristow one is an oil exploration contract which has to provide its own SAR cover for transporting pax to and from the rigs; they operate out of Stanley airport.

The other is an Falklands-wide passenger and freight transport for the FI government which has been provided by Brintel (part of BIH) for many years; they operate out of Mount Pleasant Airfield.

The SAR contract is new because the RAF Sea Kings that have provided this function (primarily for the recovery of fast jet crews) are going out of service shortly and, along with UK SAR, is being civilianised.

Sensibly, the FISHSAR (Falkland Islands Support Helicopter and SAR) contract combines the two elements and will continue to operate out of Mount Pleasant.

Does that answer your question?

[OvertHawk]

1Hppl

What people are trying to explain is that the oil and gas exploration contract won by Bristow will almost certainly have a SAR component within it exclusively to protect the drilling rig and the crewchange aircraft. These are likely to be the SAR capable machines to which you refer. The fact that one of them is in CG colours is likely reflective of nothing more than what aircraft were available in the Bristow fleet at the time.

Inclusion of self protecting SAR capability within an O&G exploration contract is not uncommon and has been included in previous Falklands O&G contracts too.

This SAR coverage is entirely separate from the permanent SAR contract to take over from the RAF.

[Thomas coupling]

welcome to the real world hppl :D

[Hot_LZ]

There are no aircraft heading south in CG colours. Just 2 Aberdeen machines and a spare.

LZ

[1helicopterppl]

Crab,

Perfectly ! Tvm.

& Overthawk tvm too.

[Ant T]

The other is a Falklands-wide passenger and freight transport for the FI government

Sorry to be pedantic Crab, but while we are putting things straight, it is actually a "Falklands-wide passenger and freight transport contract for the UK Ministry of Defence", as the new contract will be.

BTW, I like your "FISHSAR" acronym, hadn't heard it referred to like that before :-)

[Never Fretter]

I see the MOD have also selected AW189s for SAR and S-61s for transport, with the contract going to AAR supported by BIH.

Wonder if any of these these will be on the military register like the Griffons in Cyprus.

AAR Awarded 10-Year Search & Rescue Contract in the Falkland Islands... -- WOOD DALE, Ill., Jan. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aar-awarded-10-year-search--rescue-contract-in-the-falkland-islands-by-uk-mod-300022203.html)

Is it not AAR who bought out Blackwater's operations?

[twisted wrench]

Finally the official announcement:

AAR has announced its airlift division has been awarded a contract by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for search and rescue (SAR) and support helicopter services in the Falkland Islands. The contract is valued at approximately $275 million (approximately £180 million).


AAR Airlift, together with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS), will provide a combined SAR and support helicopter service to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) operations. The program will include AgustaWestland AW189 SAR helicopters, Sikorsky S-61 support helicopters, flight operations, maintenance, logistics and facilities support at the Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands and surrounding maritime region.


The mission includes all-weather SAR, helicopter emergency medical services, rescue hoist operations, passenger and cargo transfers, and night vision imaging systems. Readiness states vary from 15 minutes to 60 minutes response and require a 24/7/365 alert posture. Performance on the 10-year contract will begin in April 2016.


“This award presents a tremendous opportunity for AAR Airlift’s business as part of our strategy to diversify our capabilities and customer base,” said Randy J. Martinez, President & CEO, AAR Airlift Group. “We are thrilled that our exemplary record of safety, reliability and operational performance has earned us the confidence of the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver this critical service.”


Ian Craddock, Head of Helicopters 2 in the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support department, said: “I have every confidence that AAR Airlift has the capability and experience to provide a search and rescue service that maintains the high standards set by the Royal Air Force, who we must thank for the service they have delivered to date.


“We will work closely with AAR through the period of transition, with the RAF continuing to provide search and rescue cover until the new service starts. I am also pleased that AAR will be sub-contracting British International Helicopters, who is already successfully providing support helicopter services in the Falkland Islands, to support delivery of the combined service.”

[No Vote Joe]

Good news, I'm glad I wasn't given a bum steer before Christmas!

[fagin's goat]

It will be interesting to see BIH/AAR's recruitment plan to man the 365/24/7 SAR crewing from 2016....that will be a large bunch of pilots and crewmen to find. Even with the North Sea slow-down getting a lot of folk type rated and ready by 2016 will be no simple job. Can it be done? What roster and pay will be on the table, I wonder? Good news for the industry however you look at it.

[[email protected]]

Anyone else noticed the map here (http://www.airmedandrescue.com/story/uk-mod-awards-aar-falklands-sar-contract1026)...?

Is that magazine sponsored by the Argentine Government or is it a return volley for the Top Gear Patagonia Special?:E

[1helicopterppl]

LZ

I am reliably informed there are two Bristow liveried S92's heading South for O&G contract, one has already departed, & a spare, (G-CIHP) which has been painted in Coastguard colours & Bristow titles.

[Older and Wiser]

What prey tell does a Rescue Aircraft painted predominately Red & White make it an HMCG aircraft. Those colours are used world wide by many operators.

[[email protected]]

1helicopterppl - if you read earlier in the thread, you will know that the O and G contract is completely different to the FISHSAR one.

However, with the falling oil price, it will be interesting to see how long the exploration lasts in the South Atlantic since the high cost of extracting the oil was one of the reasons it hasn't been done before.

[No Vote Joe]

I seem to remember the OG contact was for initial 10 months with an option to extend to 2 yrs. That doesn't seem very likely in the current financial climate!

[1helicopterppl]

Older & wiser,

it does not make it a MCG helicopter, it's a spare to fulfil the SAR element in the O&G contract.

Crab
nothing to do with FISHSAR as you have already made quite clear, thank you !

[Hot_LZ]

1HP,

I stand corrected, you are spot on. HP is now in its red and white livery. When I last saw her she was pure white.

GZ is now on the island and sat in a hanger at Stanley.

LZ

[jimf671]

1HP,

I stand corrected, you are spot on. HP is now in its red and white livery. When I last saw her she was pure white. (http://www.caa.co.uk/applicationmodules/ginfo/ginfo_photo.aspx?regmark=G-CIHP&imgname=G-CIHP001&imgtype=jpg)

GZ is now on the island and sat in a hanger at Stanley.

LZ

GZ (http://www.caa.co.uk/applicationmodules/ginfo/ginfo_photo.aspx?regmark=G-CIGZ&imgname=G-CIGZ001&imgtype=jpg)

HP (http://www.caa.co.uk/applicationmodules/ginfo/ginfo_photo.aspx?regmark=G-CIHP&imgname=G-CIHP001&imgtype=jpg)

-------------------

[hot_spud]

Hi PPRuNer's, has anybody heard when the AAR/BIH/ARS recruitment plan is going to begin for the FISHSAR contract? I would have thought sooner rather than later as there doesn't seem much time to go (in reality)? I will have thought crews will need to be employed and begin training by May/June at the latest to conduct company admin, type rating, company SAR trg and then 'in theatre' trg and assessments before beginning properly early next year, 2016?

Do people think there will be the correct numbers of supply of suitably qualified crews? Will they have to be paid a little extra because of the routine? Hmm, interesting times ahead!

[wokkaboy]

hot_spud, BIH currently have several Falkland positions advertised on their website.

[Older and Wiser]

I am reliably informed that adverts for Pilots, Rearcrew and Engineers will hit the streets at the end of this week.

[Fareastdriver]

Could pick up a few Bristow redundencees.

[hot_spud]

Hi Wokka, the few vacancies on the BIH site are to cover their normal operations on their current contract out there.

They will be having a big push to recruit front, rear and eng/spt personnel in prep for their FISHSAR contract. I am not sure if they will need any more personnel to cover the SH element - doubt it as 'if it aint broke then don't fix it', but they will need I am guessing 5 crews (10 pilots and 10 rear crew) plus support pers (maybe 10) to cover the SAR element? These are just my thoughts - anybody else considered/have an opinion on the numbers required?

[hot_spud]

Go on Fareastdriver, tell me more??!!

Edit: ah, I have just read about the planned Bristow Global redundancies, so disregard!!

[Goggle Up]

G'day Gents,

Does anyone have anymore intel on the SAR front seat positions and where/when they might be advertised?

With AAR being States based and Falklands a UK territory, what will licensing requirements be? I'm guessing EASA.

Any info appreciated.

Cheers,

GU

[krypton_john]

According to Google, the Falklands population is 2,932 (2012).

Does that make them the most highly covered helicopter SAR operation in history (based on machines to population)?

[[email protected]]

And the population doubles every time a cruise ship arrives in Stanley:ok:

The gene pool doesn't seem to get any deeper though:)

[krypton_john]

So the cruise ships aren't visiting because of the surplus of hot single local women then?

[hot_spud]

...no news on FISHSAR recruitment then???!!!:hmm:

[[email protected]]

krypton john - on one detachment, a member of our group ended up chatting to a local girl at a party which was held in a shed (not uncommon in Stanley) as each man entered the building she mentioned that she had either slept with, or was related to, each and some were in both categories - rather like an overlap in a Venn diagram;)

[HAL9000]

Steady on Crab old chap.

[Tourist]

Crab, stop being a tool.

The same could be said about any small community in the UK. The gene pool is actually pretty good with lots of special guests helping out. Do you ever wonder where the accent comes from?

[krypton_john]

Sounds like Mataura.

[alfred_the_great]

hot_spud - they have already recruited some SAR personnel for the new contract. Training started a couple of weeks ago.

[VP-F__]

Crab you sound like Jeremy Clarkson in full obnoxious flow with that comment

[[email protected]]

Hmmm, some sensitive souls on here - just telling it like it happened;)

[alfasprite]

It's not clear to me in any of the AAR adverts for the FISAR positions if the contract will be equal time touring? A related advert for a BIH Engineer for the Falklands (S61) seems to require that person to live there permenantly.

Anybody got any info on the intended roster for FISAR and also if BIH (AAR) pay the Falklands island taxes on behalf of employees?

[Whirling Wizardry]

I've seen an advert, can't remember exactly where but it mentioned a 45/45 rotation. They were advertising for the base manager and captains/co-pilots. Hopefully someone else has seen the same.

[inputshaft]

alfasprite,

AFAIK, the FI government does not tax the crews working for BIH in the MOD contracts, therefore nothing for BIH to pay. Unfortunately, that means you will get no tax credit towards your home country tax bill.

[Older and Wiser]

If you are interested in the positions apply. The proper place to ask such questions is at interview if you are invited.
Closing date is this Thursday!!!!!

[Older and Wiser]

Thrice you've tried to advertise your business :rolleyes:

PPRuNe has excellent advertising (http://www.pprune.org/advertise.php) rates: maybe you should try them?

Senior Pilot
Rotorheads Moderator

[Seymour Belvoir]

O&W, I've had a look at the job advert this morning and it says there are 15 days left to apply. Is that an April fool? :confused:

[Older and Wiser]

It is always possible that AAR have extended their deadline for Pilots and or Engineers since I have no link with the recruitment of either Pilots or Engineers.
Without been shot down for advertising a company (rather than letting people know about jobs available). The company who are recruiting the Rearcrew have a closing date of 3rd April.

[Seymour Belvoir]

Thanks O&W. I saw the advert on Aviationjobsearch.com if anyone else is searching. (Other aviation employment websites are available, I believe). :cool:

[AntiStatic]

Hi all, anyone know if the rear crew slots have been filled. I believe interviews have taken place and guessing they will move pretty quickly to fill the slots in time for the 2016 live date