BSC Cutter Capability Gap Initial Market Engagement

The existing BSC Cutter fleet is at, or approaching, the end of its operational life. Work is underway through the Maritime Capability Replacement Programme (MCRP) to procure a replacement fleet; however new assets are not expected to enter service before 2032 at the earliest. Continuing reliability, availability and maintenance challenges of the existing fleet have raised significant concerns regarding their ability to sustain operational requirements through to the introduction of the new fleet. This has created a critical capability gap; whereby existing Cutter capability is expected to reduce or cease before MCRP-delivered vessels become operational. To mitigate this risk and maintain operational capability during the transition period, there is an urgent requirement to explore options for a short to medium term solution for 2-3 Cutters for a period of at least three - five years plus, likely on a phased delivery The full requirement will be shared in a further market engagement ahead of the Tender stage. The details for the procurement are subject to change following feedback from this market engagement, including start and end dates. The Authority notes that the requirement is within the scope of consideration under PPN 025. An assessment of the applicability and implications of PPN 025 is currently ongoing, and the Authority will take the outcome of that assessment into account as part of this procurement process. Please note, the tender opportunity will be issued via the Home Office eSourcing Portal and bidders must therefore ensure they have registered: https://homeoffice.app.jaggaer.com/