UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The MCA’s requirements are divided into three parts : . MCA Requirement will cover the following: Part 1: Noise Risk Assessment and Recommended Levels of Hearing Protection A feasibility study is required to determine the extent of noise exposure experienced by SCOO and CRO rescue team members during helicopter related operations. These personnel assist with the removal of casualties from helicopters when transferring to ambulances or hospital facilities, and they may also be exposed during live rescue operations when helicopters are required to hover overhead. This results in exposure to high noise levels and significant downward pressure. The initial scope covers three helicopter types, assessed in possibility three geographical areas, to understand typical noise levels and exposure profiles. The study may be extended depending on initial findings. Part 2: Noise Risk Assessment for Marine Surveyors During Vessel Inspections Marine Surveyors frequently access high noise environments such as engine rooms, generator spaces, and other machinery compartments during vessel inspections. Although hearing protection is currently provided, the MCA requires a clearer understanding through dosimetry measurements of: • the cumulative noise exposure experienced over time, and • whether existing hearing protection remains suitable and sufficient. Part 3: Assessment of Noise Exposure from Headset Use in Rescue Coordination Centres Rescue Coordinators in JRCC and MRCC centres use communication headsets continuously, sometimes for extended periods (over one to two hours) depending on the duration and complexity of rescue missions. Staff have reported concerns related to constant static noise and the potential impact on their long term hearing. The MCA seeks to determine: • the cumulative level of noise exposure from headset use, and • the associated risk to employee hearing health. This questionnaire is intended to furnish the MCA with the key information it requires to plan a fair and open procurement for this service, including: • Market appetite for participating in a tender process.

Ship Stability is a core component of MCA Surveyor Technical Training. To support the effective understanding and application of stability principles, the training programme includes practical stability tank exercises alongside classroom-based learning. The MCA intends to award a contract for the provision of stability tank and classroom facilities to support the delivery of its internal Ship Stability training course for Marine Surveyors. Course content and instruction will be provided by MCA trainers. The supplier will not be responsible for delivering the training content but must provide suitable facilities, equipment and on-site support to enable the effective delivery of the course and achievement of the required competency outcomes.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) intends to undertake preliminary market engagement (PME) to consult with suppliers in relation to the MCA’s next generation procurement of its Command and Control Programme (C2P). The C2P aims to improve resilience, interoperability, situational awareness, and support for maritime incident management, pollution response and front-line search and rescue operations. The MCA’s vision is to create a modern, resilient and insight led capability that harnesses technology, improves decision making, strengthens operational performance, and delivers better outcomes for those we serve. The MCA’s objectives for the PME are: • help shape its requirements and specification; • understand available solutions and potential delivery approaches; • understand opportunities and innovation opportunities; • understand perceived risks and constraints; • alert the market of the upcoming opportunity and provide the likely role and responsibilities of the next generation C2P partner(s); • develop its approach to the procurement; • identify suppliers that may be able to deliver the C2P and understand capacity in the market; • gauge the level of market interest; • elicit feedback on the MCA’s objectives and programme to assist the MCA to refine its approach. The MCA reserves the right to amend any of the information contained within any of the PME materials and documents prior to the publication of the Tender Notice and commencement of any procurement process.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is establishing a Dynamic Market for the provision of specialist technical, operational, scientific and advisory services in support of maritime, offshore energy, environmental response and security-related activities. The Dynamic Market is intended to provide a flexible and compliant commercial mechanism to enable Contracting Authorities to procure multidisciplinary services in both planned and time-critical scenarios. This includes, but is not limited to, support for incident preparedness, response, stabilisation, recovery and post-incident assurance. Services to be delivered under the Dynamic Market may include technical advisory, operational delivery, engineering support, scientific analysis, regulatory guidance and specialist consultancy. Requirements may arise in complex, high-risk and multi-agency environments, including maritime salvage, offshore intervention, well control, pollution response and other emergency or contingency situations. The Dynamic Market is designed to support integrated and multidisciplinary delivery, allowing suppliers to provide services either as standalone technical specialists or as part of coordinated delivery teams, depending on the nature of individual requirements. Suppliers may participate individually or as part of consortia where appropriate. The scope is deliberately broad and non-exhaustive to allow for evolving operational requirements and emerging risks. Services may be required across the UK, as well as in support of the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, where delivery conditions may involve additional logistical complexity and specialist capability. The Dynamic Market will remain open throughout its duration, enabling new suppliers to apply for admission at any time, subject to meeting the applicable selection criteria. Admission to the Dynamic Market does not guarantee work; suppliers will be invited to participate in call-off competitions based on capability, availability and the specific requirements of each procurement. While government-wide commercial agreements exist, the Dynamic Market has been established to provide access to specialised capability not fully addressed through existing centralised routes, particularly where rapid mobilisation and operationally integrated delivery are required.

HM Coastguard (HMCG) helicopters and planes, provided under the UKSAR2G contract, have a primary role to provide search and rescue. However, they undertake a range of other missions in support of wider Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) objectives, and those of other government departments. In addition, HMCG require an Search and Surveillance service to provide near real time situational awareness in support of specialised SAR operations. Therefore, the MCA is planning to undertake a procurement for this additional Search and Surveillance service. The MCA will procure for intelligence, search, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets that can supply the information required. This service will not require national coverage. Potentially, during high-risk times, an HMCG surveillance asset could be operating for a full 24‑hour period extending into consecutive days and sometimes weeks. Respondents should bear in mind that the MCA will take a solution agnostic approach to the procurement and is open to different technological approaches, providing they can demonstrably meet the requirement to provide persistent maritime situational awareness in areas of need.