HM Coastguard provides support to all blue light emergency services, as well as other government departments and agencies, through the deployment of its search and rescue helicopters and planes.
Since 2013, the UKSAR helicopter service has been delivered by Bristow helicopters ltd. from ten strategically located bases around the UK, rescuing or assisting people since the service started in 2015. This contract is due to finish in 2024.
UKSAR2G is the second-generation programme that will take account of how the current UKSAR helicopter service has evolved and will seek to understand other emergency services' requirements and needs to shape a highly collaborative and innovative solution. UKSAR2G will work from first principles to develop a more tailored and modern means of delivering vital search and rescue capabilities in a more cost-efficient and innovative way.
Procurement timetable
| Procurement activity | Dates |
| Market engagement (details about how to register for engagement will be published on the portal) | March 2020 to October 2020* |
| Publication of the OJEU notice | January - March 2021* |
| Procurement cycle (precise procurement procedure to be confirmed) | January 2021 to December 2022* |
| Contract award | December 2022* |
| Service commencement | 30th September 2024* |
* These dates are currently indicative and are subject to changes
Procurement portal
A procurement portal is being developed, where interested parties can register and gain access to documents relating to the procurement.
