Long-Term Air Charter Services utilizing Rotary Wing Aircrafts with Specialized Equipment

Preliminary note: This Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) is a general outreach initiative and is not related to a specific requirement or upcoming procurement exercise. The purpose of this REOI is to inform interested air operators registered with the United Nations (UN) & also new prospective vendors about the UN's recurring requirement for air transportation services with specialized helicopters and potential business opportunities. In addition, the UN Procurement Division (UNPD) is seeking to engage with interested air operators who have experience and capacity to provide the services in order to provide information about doing business with the UN and to encourage registration as a UN Air Operator Vendor. Overview of Potential Requirements: The UN anticipates a continued demand for long-term air charter services utilizing specialized rotary wing aircrafts (helicopters), which are intended to be sourced via formal and competitive procurement exercises. In particular, potential requirements for specialized helicopters may consist of those purposed for Search & Rescue (SAR), CASEVAC and/or aeromedical evacuations (AME), in support of the mandates and operations of particular peacekeeping and special political missions located globally, with a majority presence in Africa and the Middle East. (Further information about current ongoing field missions are available at https://www.unmissions.org/). The UN has previously procured this category of aviation transportation services and has required such helicopters to be equipped with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS/NVG), Missile Protection Systems (MPS), Ballistic Protection Systems, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, and/or other medical equipment, depending on the nature of the requirement, and anticipates the provision and operation of such specialized equipment to be required in the future. Air Operators would be expected to supply and install the equipment, as well as to possess authorization by their respective national/civil aviation authorizations for operation. In addition, the UN may potentially require an air operator to transport dangerous goods classes that require special authorization promptly upon tasking, without delay caused from, for example, seeking prior authorization from the national competent authority (e.g. with 'blanket authorization' or 'exemption from seeking special authorization'). The UN relies on the availability of services offered by its registered vendors to enable effective international competition and to maintain its operations. In anticipation of the potential future specialized helicopter requirements, vendors may wish to consider their interest and capacity to supply such services to the UN, and to examine their readiness to respond to procurement tenders. Capable air operators who are not yet registered with the UN, but who are desirous to provide the services, are encouraged to apply for registration on the roster of pre-qualified UN Air Operator Vendors, which is a pre-requisite to participate in future tender exercises for air charter services. The registration process comprises a two-part evaluation on: (i) technical/operational capacity and (ii) corporate/financial capacity. Applicants shall take note that for this category of procurement, the UN may only enter into a contract directly with air operators (AOC holders) and not brokers/agents. For more information on eligibility and how to register as a UN Air Operator, please visit UNPD’s website at https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/aviation and https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/vendors/vendor-registration-0, respectively. Correspondence regarding this REOI may be sent to the abovementioned focal point on the Aviation Team of the UN Procurement Division at: newman1@un.org Correspondence regarding vendor registration should be sent to the Enabling and Outreach Service: register@un.org