The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the United Kingdom and Ireland—Northern Lighthouse Board, Trinity House and Irish Lights—have announced the requirement for an aviation service to support their vital safety service for mariners.
Known as the Tri-GLA Aviation Services Project (ASP), the contract to provide a dedicated aviation service is for a ten-year period from 1 December 2027, with the option to extend for up to a further two years.
An effective aviation service is a vital element of the GLAs’ service to the mariner. For many aids to navigation, due to their location and the nature of the work to be carried out, air travel is the only means of access. Not having an aviation service, even for a short period of time, has the potential to make a serious impact upon the critical statutory services delivered by the GLAs around the UK and Ireland.
Most flights involve carrying both passengers (GLA staff, subcontractors and approved third parties) and cargo to coastal and offshore lighthouses. This may require take off and landing from vessels at sea. Tasks will also include underslung loads that represent between 15% and 32% of the operational flying tasks per year, noting that such tasks will be separate from passenger transfers. Experience is therefore essential in Helicopter External Sling Load Operations (HESLO).
The GLAs are not seeking tenders at this time but will be carrying out Market Engagement to seek supplier views to help inform the procurement process. Any response to this Market Engagement by a supplier does not constitute a formal tender to the ASP procurement process, which the GLAs intend to commence in the Autumn of 2024.
Tri-GLA ASP Market Engagement Questionnaire*
Interested parties have the opportunity to complete a Market Engagement Questionnaire – see link below. The deadline for responding is by 21 March 2024.
Tri-GLA ASP Market Engagement Event – 5 April 2024 from 1000 to 1200 GMT
The GLAs invite interested parties to a virtual market engagement event where they will present an overview of the ASP Procurement and take questions. Details to follow.
Any questions on the procurement process should go through Delta eSourcing https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/respondToList.html?accessCode=43Z2KCT58M
Documents to download
ASP Market Engagement Introduction
SSP Market Engagement Questionnaire
GLA Helicopter Services 2027 SOR
GLA Helicopter Services 2027 CONOPS
Notes to editors
For media enquiries please contact: Fiona Holmes, Communications Officer Fiona.holmes@nlb.org.uk
Tel: 0131 473 3100
- The Northern Lighthouse Board is the GLA for the waters surrounding Scotland and the Isle of Man https://www.nlb.org.uk/
- Trinity House is the GLA for England, Wales, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/
- Irish Lights is the GLA for the whole of Ireland https://www.irishlights.ie/
- Funding – The costs of the GLAs’ services are met from the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF). The income to the GLF comes from Light Dues that are charged on commercial shipping at United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ports. There is no direct United Kingdom tax-payer funding. The Secretary of State for Transport has a duty to ensure the effective management of the GLF and enable the adequate provision of aids to navigation at the minimum cost.
- * Tri-GLA Aviation Services Project (ASP) Market Engagement Questionnaire
Please note taking part in the questionnaire does not constitute the start of the bidding process for the ASP contract and the GLAs are not seeking tenders at this time. The Market Engagement aims to alert suppliers to the likely outcomes and capability required of this new service and to seek feedback on how to shape the formal procurement.