WATCHKEEPER AIRPORT SERVICES AND ACCOMODATION AT WEST WALES AIRPORT FOR WATCHKEEPER TEST AND EVALUATION

Concepts

• bristol
• non-residential property
• accomodation at west wales airport
• west wales airport
• watchkeeper airport
• watchkeeper test
• airport services
• watchkeeper
• accomodation
• watchkeeper in-service support

Location

Bristol

Description

The Thales Watchkeeper is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for all weather, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) used by the British Army. Watchkeeper In-Service Support has been provided since the AV came into service in the 2010s.

Total Quantity or Scope

WATCHKEEPER AIRPORT SERVICES AND ACCOMODATION AT WEST WALES AIRPORT FOR WATCHKEEPER TEST AND EVALUATION

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 70220000 - Non-residential property renting or leasing services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

Short description of the contract or purchase(s): The continued provision of airport services, facilities and building lease/s as a direct contract with West Wales Airport (WWA) to support the Watchkeeper Unpiloted Air System Programme Test and Evaluation (T &E). Reason For Award of Contract: To enable continuation of Watchkeeper T & E from 1 April 2024 to 31 Mar 2027 to align with the Watchkeeper In-Service Support Contract and associated tasks requiring T & E. Justification for Non-Competitive Decision: Only WWA has the regulated environmental conditions under which WK T & E flying can take place, and therefore is the only location where T & E can be carried out in accordance with the T & E Military Permit to Fly (MPTF). The MPTF dictates how specific Air Vehicle/s will be operated as part of the prime flying contractor Thales’ UK (ISR)’s Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme (CFAOS) responsibilities, granted by the UK Military Airworthiness Authority (MAA). The MPTF includes an Airspace Constraints prohibition relating to flying and does not allow for T & E flying to take place at other location. The MPTF will not recommend alternative sites as being suitable within the proposed contracting timeframe. In accordance with Regulation 4 of The Defence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/697) this procurement falls to be regulated under the provisions of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 as amended (in particular by SI 2019/697 and SI 2020/1450). Prior publication of a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union is no longer appropriate. Accordingly, it is considered that this contract can be awarded to West Wales Airport Ltd using the negotiated procedure without prior publication pursuant to Regulation 16(1) (a) (ii) of the UK Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 for Technical Reasons. Main Place of Performance or Delivery: West Wales Airport, Blaenannerch, Cardigan SA43 2DZ