Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
195. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport the status of the search and rescue aviation tender; the timeline for a decision and expected milestones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3023/22]
View answerOn 27 July 2021, the Government agreed to commence the formal procurement process for a new Coast Guard aviation service. The decision was based on a detailed appraisal and business case prepared in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
On 20th December 2021, the first stage of the process commenced, the release on eTenders of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and Response document for candidates to complete. The PQQ sets out certain criteria to determine which Operators have the capacity to perform the contract.
On 25 January, my Department announced that the PQQ will be amended to specify the number and location of Search and Rescue (SAR) bases to reflect the existing configuration, namely four bases at Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.
The information released in the PQQ listed the IRCG’s minimum requirements. The detailed specification will be available at the next stage of the competition i.e when the Request for Tender (RFT) is released to the market by end of March 2022. The indicative date for award of contract is March 2023.
Please visit our dedicated SAR Webpage for all relevant information and any further clarity on the PQQ that will be also be posted via eTenders.
www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ed653-irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-sar-aviation-project/
