Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom

1. Title: RESOURCE REQUIREMENT – SENIOR SPECIALIST/ENGINEER SERVICE OPERATIONS FOR MISSION CRITICAL RADIO & CELLULAR SYSTEMS
2. Awarding Authority: Sita, GB. Web:
3. Contract type: Service contract
Open
4. Description: The Awarding Authority is releasing an opportunity for a required Senior Specialist in Mission Critical Radio & Cellular Systems, you will need to provide technical leadership for the operational support, maintenance and continual improvement of the Specified Airport’s critical communications infrastructure.
Working across a diverse technology estate spanning legacy and modern radio systems, RF over Fibre Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), public and private cellular infrastructure and IP-based communications platforms, you’ll lead the resolution of complex technical issues while helping shape the future direction of operational communications at Heathrow.
The requirement is for advanced engineering expertise with operational leadership, supplier management, service transition and stakeholder engagement.
You’ll work closely with customers, project teams, equipment manufacturers and engineering partners to ensure services remain resilient, supportable and ready to meet Heathrow’s evolving operational requirements.
You’ll work across one of the most diverse operational communications estates in the UK, including:
Mission Critical TETRA radio systems
Commercial DMR and PMR radio systems
Legacy MPT1327 infrastructure
RF over Fibre Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Multi-Operator Cellular Infrastructure (2G/3G/4G/5G)
Mission Critical Dispatch Systems
Fibre and IP communications infrastructure
Radio subscriber devices, vehicle installations and associated accessories
Airport-wide antenna and RF distribution systems
Supporting critical infrastructure across terminals, tunnels, plant rooms, communications rooms, baggage facilities, engineering areas and airside operational environments. You’ll help operate and evolve one of the UK’s most technically diverse mission-critical communications environments, working with industry-leading technologies that keep Heathrow Airport connected every minute of every day.
You’ll be trusted to lead, innovate and influence the future direction of operational communications while working alongside experienced engineers who are passionate about delivering exceptional service.
5. CPV Code(s): 71356000, 79600000
6. NUTS code(s): UKI, UKI7, UKI75
7. Main site or location of works, main place of delivery or main place of performance: Delivery point London Heathrow (All Campus)
Heathrow Airport
8. Reference attributed by awarding authority: Supply chain ID: 135395-HAL_
9. Estimated value of requirement: Estimated contract value (GBP) G: GBP 150k to 250k
10. CompeteFor response deadline 4.9.2026 (17:00).
11. Address to which they must be sent: Note: This is a CompeteFor opportunity. Opportunities may be with both public and private sector businesses. To apply, please click the following link to register on the CompeteFor portal Web:
12. Other information: Website www.sita.aero
Opportunity Method Contract Opportunity
Opportunity Status Open
Opportunity Type Private Sector
Notice Type Notice
Nature of Opportunity Services
Procedure type Open
About the buyer’s selection process:
MUST HAVE:
Significant experience supporting mission-critical radio communications or cellular infrastructure.
Strong technical knowledge of PMR, DMR and TETRA technologies.
Experience supporting RF over Fibre Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and associated RF infrastructure.
Strong understanding of RF engineering principles including antenna systems, feeders, Fibre distribution and coverage optimization.
Experience troubleshooting IP networking within operational communications environments.
Excellent analytical and fault diagnosis skills.
Experience leading technical incident resolution, Problem Management and Root Cause Analysis.
Working knowledge of ITIL Service Management processes.
Experience managing technical suppliers and vendor escalations.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to engineering teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain Heathrow Airport security clearance.
NICE TO HAVE:
Experience with Motorola, Teltronic, Hytera, Frequentis or equivalent mission-critical communications platforms.
Experience supporting public or private LTE/5G infrastructure.
Knowledge of Network Management Systems and operational monitoring platforms.
Experience using RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, antenna analyzers and Fibre test equipment.
Experience supporting critical infrastructure or regulated operational environments.
ITIL Foundation (or higher).
Manufacturer or industry certifications in radio or cellular technologies.
Knowledge of UK spectrum licensing and regulatory requirements.
About the buyer:
SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, has signed a five-year extension with Heathrow Airport to support Heathrow’s vast and growing network infrastructure. Through this agreement, SITA will provide a wide range of network, telecommunications, and connectivity services, while introducing innovative new solutions to businesses operating within Heathrow.
Since 2011, SITA has built a strong relationship with Heathrow, reinforcing the airport’s infrastructure as it became the busiest airport in Europe, with nearly 80 million passengers in 2023. As part of the new agreement, SITA will continue to strengthen Heathrow’s digital infrastructure, managing its extensive network as the airport continues to expand and improve its IT infrastructure. This includes supporting thousands of network access switches and wireless access points, and thousands more analogue and internet phone lines. With this, Heathrow will continue to benefit from SITA’s deep knowledge and understanding of the complex airport environment.
In addition, as part of the deal, the SITA on-site team at Heathrow will deliver new projects and ongoing support around the network telecoms infrastructure, cyber-security, radio and operational technology. They will be on hand to support Heathrow’s internal customers, B2B commercial customers, and the airport’s wider supply chain. With this new model, SITA will also enhance the commercial telecoms offering for Heathrow’s B2B customers, delivering high-quality communications solutions to a variety of internal clients, including airlines, ground handlers and retailers.
Details of specialist staff required (if any) See roles specified in opportunity section
Estimated tender close date 07/09/2026
Estimated contract award date 11/09/2026
Estimated contract start date 01/10/2026
Estimated contract end date 31/08/2028
Is SME Yes
Is VCO No
Is framework agreement Yes
TKR-2026814-EX-1877024