Aerial Surveillance Contract

As an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), the Authority develops and implements the Government's maritime safety and environmental protection strategy by, amongst other roles, monitoring the coasts and seas and responding to emergencies. The Authority has two broad objectives: firstly to ensure safety through accident prevention and effective search and rescue coordination and response, improve the safety of ships and people at sea and at the coast; and secondly to protect the environment through monitoring of ships and response to pollution incidents protect the marine environment. The Authority's vision is to be a world-class organisation that is committed to preventing loss of life, continuously improving maritime safety and protecting the coastal environment. In order to achieve its vision the Authority requires the successful supplier to provide a non-military aerial surveillance service to assist with to Search and Rescue and counter pollution operations. The Authority requires the successful supplier (the "Supplier") to provide, following an initial mobilisation and acceptance period potentially of six to eighteen months, a non-military aerial surveillance service for a period of five years plus potential extension periods of up to two years. The Authority requires an all-weather 24/7 capability to provide aerial surveillance, tracking, detection, observation, transmission of data and support to Search and Rescue (SAR) and counter pollution operations within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone ("UKEZZ") and UK Search and Rescue Region ("UKSRR"). This service shall be interoperable with other Government departments and agencies and neighbouring nations. The Authority, through the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre ("ARCC"), will act as the sole tasking authority. In contracting with the Supplier the Authority will be acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.