National Aerial Surveillance Contract

Quantity or scope

Bord Gáis Éireann requires the provision of an aerial surveillance service of their gas transmission pipeline system to report on ground activity and encroachments that may affect the integrity of the gas pipeline. The surveillance patrols shall be carried out by a suitably equipped helicopter, during normal daylight working hours. Fixed wing aircraft shall not be used. The service will include the provision of a helicopter, pilots and observers. BGE will on occasion provide in house observers for some patrols however a number of patrols may require a suitable observer provided by the helicopter operator. All route navigation and pipeline locating equipment are to be provided by the helicopter operator as part of the service. The service is for the National Network and applicants must pre-qualify on the basis of providing the service nationwide. The national network is currently 1,894 km of gas pipeline, which may increase and decrease without notice. The pipelines are to be flown on a fortnightly basis or at a frequency outlined by BGE. The Company shall hold all the necessary permits and licences to carry out the works, such as a valid Civil Aviation Authority Air Operators Certificate, Operating Licence and a Maintenance competency. The aircraft to be provided in provision of this service will be a helicopter, with a single/twin engine turbine configuration. The aircraft is required to have a minimum of 4 passenger seats. The aircraft shall have windows on the passenger side which may be opened to allow photography of the pipeline route. Noise cancelling headsets shall be provided for all passengers for each patrol. All aircraft must be capable of a minimum of 2.5 hours usable flight time between refuels. The operator will be required to use the Bord Gais Electronic Job management system to file and return patrol reports.In order to receive the pre qualification questionnaire please submit your expression of interest to cwhite@bge.ie.

Additional information

A pre-qualification questionnaire will be issued to all candidates who respond to this notice. Expressions of interest should be addressed in writing and sent via email for the attention of the Networks Procurement Manager to cwhite@bge.ie. The questionnaire will cover the financial, economic and technical capacity of the candidates. The questionnaire must be completed and returned to the address in I.1. above not later than 17:00, Wedneday, 11.7.2012. The responses will be used to assist in drawing up a tender list. This process may also include interviews with candidates. The contracting entity will not be responsible for any costs, charges or expenses incurred by candidates or tenderers relating to this contract award procedure. in order to receive the pre qualification questionnaire please submit your expression of interest to cwhite@bge.ie.

(ET Ref:424952).