Originally Posted by
gipsymagpie
I don't think that's the story at all. The Scottish Ambulance Service contracts with GAMA. GAMA sub-contracted Babcock to do the helicopter bit in the past. GAMA have now decided not to renew that sub-contract and have chosen to do it themselves by moving from their fixed wing background into the helicopter world. Babcock weren't actually bidding on the contract in the traditional sense.
Not entirely accurate either gipsymagpie. The contract was coming to an end. Like most contracts there was an extension cause. I believe GAMA without consulting Babcock offered SAS the extension under terms that were untenable for Babcock. When this became apparent GAMA offered to run the extension themselves. A bloodless coup if you will, but an underhand way of taking over the contract. The extension is only for a few years. The reprocurement process will begin soon for a new full contract. It will be interesting to see if Babcock bid on that to consolidate their position with the current two Scottish charity HEMS aircraft and of course their continued involvement in English and Welsh AAs