Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:418. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the tender process that took place resulting in a contract (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39353/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (418)
Written answers
On 27 July 2021, the Government approved the Detailed Appraisal and Business Case for the next Coast Guard Aviation Service and agreed to proceed to the Planning/Design stage, including the procurement of the service outlined in the business case. The Government decision ensured that a broad range of services, including Maritime and Inland Search and Rescue, day and night Air Ambulance services to the island communities, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, inter hospital transfers, environmental monitoring and other supports to the Principal Response Agencies will continue to be delivered to the highest standards.
The approved procurement process was a “Competitive Procedure with Negotiations” as defined under the EU (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulation 2016 (SI 284/2016). The process was also conducted in line with the Government’s Public Spending Code and best practice project management guidelines.
A dedicated project team within the Department of Transport implemented the procurement project, with external technical support in the fields of Aviation/SAR, Finance and Project Management. The Chief State Solicitor's Office provided legal advice to the Department and an independent external process auditor was engaged to provide regular assurance to the Accounting Officer as to the proper conduct of the process.
A Project Board structure was also established in March 2022 to provide governance and oversight of the procurement process.
Following completion of the procurement process the Government approved the award of contract to Bristow Ireland Limited on 30 May 2023.
The awarding of the contract is currently being challenged through the Courts by the incumbent contractor.