UKSAR2G Search and Rescue Contract Battle Kicks Off
The race is on to secure the UK’s next-generation search and rescue aviation contract. The UK Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation programme (UKSAR2G) will see HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopters, planes, and drones operated by a new supplier – or suppliers.
Shortlisted Bidders Get Green Light to Tender
Only selected bidders are invited to submit their tenders by the end of August 2022. The contracts are divided into four lots:
Lot 1: Short-Range Helicopters
- Bristow Helicopters Ltd
- EEA Helicopters Operations B.V
- Serco Limited
Lot 2: Long-Range Helicopters with Higher Capacity
- Bristow Helicopters Ltd
- EEA Helicopters Operations B.V.
- Serco Limited
Lot 3: Fixed-Wing Aircraft and Drones for Surveillance
- 2Excel Aviation Ltd
- EEA Helicopters Operations B.V
- Elbit Systems UK Ltd
- Serco Limited
Lot 4: All-in-One Supplier Covering Lots 1, 2 & 3
- Airbus Helicopters UK LTD
- Bristow Helicopters Ltd
- EEA Helicopters Operations B.V.
- Serco Limited
Contract Award and Future Plans
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) aims to award the contract late summer 2022. Successful bidders will prepare to launch operations by 2024 with a deal lasting at least 10 years.
“Our extensive data has been used to develop the tools that will enable bidders for UKSAR2G to include cutting-edge, greener technology that will continue to meet the complex demands of Her Majesty’s Coastguard long into the future,” said Damien Oliver, Senior Responsible Owner for UKSAR2G.
“This programme supports not just the Coastguard, but also policing, health services and law enforcement – more than half the demand comes from these public bodies. The scale of this collaboration has never been seen before on a Government procurement.
This is a really exciting programme that will continue to protect the public using state-of-the-art aviation technology.”
The UKSAR2G deal is expected to save money compared to current Coastguard rescue and surveillance costs. Bidders must pitch affordable prices that meet the programme’s ambitious goals, ensuring value for taxpayers.
