Pipeline Framework: Contract for the supply of aircraft & pilots.

A pipeline has been launched for Contract for the supply of aircraft & pilots.The contract start Date is 01 May 2018. Approach to market date is 29 December 2017.The contract is for the provision of two survey aircraft and associated pilots and services to facilitate the Environment Agency remote sensing survey program through the next five years. The primary tasks of the required survey aircraft are terrestrial and intertidal mapping to be carried out between 1,000 and 10,000 feet throughout the UK. Aircraft are required to have an endurance of at least five hours although a longer endurance would be welcome. Normal operational speed is generally approximately 130 knots however we also require aircraft allowing fast transits will give us the greatest flexibility especially during any incident response tasks relating to flooding. Aircraft are required to have twin engines for safety reasons and must be able to accommodate our survey equipment.This is a potential opportunity from the government, and the pipeline gives advance notice of an opportunity that might be offered by the public sector in the future – allowing potential suppliers to plan accordingly. When a public sector organisation publishes a pipeline notice, it does not necessarily mean that an opportunity will be offered in the future.For more information contact: Defra Network eTendering, Manley House, Exeter, EX2 7LQ, England. Email: robin.browne@environment-agency.gov.uk. (Robin Browne).