Perhaps you have misconstrued why I say post event contract.....
The airframe was part way through an annual that was started in January when NPAS arrived.... so that's 2+ months down the road that should normally take one month [which is long enough anyway] and then [and only then?] PAS come on the scene to enter into a contract to remedy that previous state of the aircraft with South Yorkshire Police.
I understand it will return to service in a few weeks more. To keep costs down 'repairs' are being undertaken rather than new part substitution. It all takes time but if the 2+ was OK another 3+ is neither here nor there.......
Which presents the question ..... if you can be on the ground for 6 months without the world coming to an end are you really needed?
Yes there is a substitute NPAS aircraft... but that is CMBS and that is a spare for the other Explorers so 'only when it is available' .....