Crab,
You say there is no MoD bid in. However, my understanding of the acquisition process for programmes of this size is that there has to be a Public Sector Cost Comparator (I might have the terminology slightly wrong). The function of this is to ensure value for money by making sure it can't be done cheaper by the public sector (eg the RAF assume responsibility for all UK SAR).
If the SAR-H IPT has not done this comparison it is in serious breach of regulations and the whole programme is on thin ice. Can you shed any light on this matter?