... You need to think big picture. The process you describe is the assessment of an individual not the performance of a multi billion pound contract!
There will be a whole raft of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will indicate the success or otherwise of the contractors solution ...
Good point snake. For one thing, everyone sleep-walked through the 1971 contract through to the 2007 contract. There is some excuse for Gap not being a work of art because of the continuity of service imperative. Now there is a proper spec worked out at all levels and the UK's first entirely planned SAR helicopter service is on the way to becoming a reality.
The DfT have upped their game. The CAA have upped their game. Whether Eeyore down at Southampton will listen to his friend Christopher Robin over at Abbey Wood and wake up before April 2015 remains in question. Aircrew performance is still important but I do not believe that it's a concern for anyone who has been standing back and looking at that big picture.
... I'm sure JimF could find them ...
No mention of a remuneration package for this appointment?
