Strategic Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Special Missions Aircraft (Managed Service)

Description

This notice is intended to supersede the information provided in previous notice ref C23089 (link available below). Following the discontinuation of the procurement in May 2024, the intention is to re-launch this procurement later this year. The overarching requirement is that the system must be safe and lawful to operate in UK airspace with due consideration, and coordination, with neighbouring States under their national requirements. As such, the business provider, its people, platform, and wider system must have full regulatory approval to operate within the UK airspace. This includes full CAA approval to conduct routine and potentially prioritised flights in UK airspace in delivery of the operational model. It will be for the supplier to satisfy all such requirements that may be necessary to facilitate daily operations. The provider's principal Place of Business as defined by the CAA must be in the United Kingdom. Aerial surveillance is required as part of a wider Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance package to support decision making and the tasking and coordination of operational assets; and to collect high-quality footage of criminality to support potential prosecutions. The minimum criteria for the managed service are: 1. Must meet all regulatory requirements (CAA, OFCOM, etc) and be capable of flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS); 2. Must be capable of reliably detecting, identifying, and classifying a broad range of targets during day and night operations, in varying weather conditions, over a wide area, in the maritime environment. This includes the detection of people, vehicles, and vessels; 3. Must have the ability to record high-quality full motion video (FMV) to support criminal justice proceedings; 4. Sensor coverage should last at least 16 hours (take-off to landing), up to approximately 4000-5000 hours per annum. Home Office requires a supplier who can provide this managed service to achieve the required capability within 4 months from the date of contract award which is anticipated in Q3 2025 with a total anticipated contract duration of 36 months. The specification will be outcome based. The intention is to provide opportunity for Bidders to propose solutions based on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and/or Piloted Aircraft Systems. The Home Office will be running an industry event to discuss the requirements and seek feedback from the market on 16 October 2024. Suppliers who wish to attend the industry event are required to register their interest and request a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for completion directly to the Buyer named below by 20 September 2024. Suppliers are encouraged to register as a supplier on the RM6235 Space-Enabled and Geospatial Services (link provided below). The Home Office does not guarantee that a procurement will be launched and the Home Office is not responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by any potential supplier in registering their interest. Additional information: We invite you to provide us with recommendations of any specific topics or questions related to this procurement opportunity that you would like us to cover in the market engagement event, please provide these by email by 20th September 2024.