Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Ref: 085542/S 000-2026
Nature of contract: Service contract
Procedure: Not specified
Regulation of procurement: Not applicable
Type of bid required: Not applicable

UKPGA UK2: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

I) Contracting Authority/Entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Ministry of Defence
National registration number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ

Postal address: RAF High Wycombe
Town: Naphill
Region: Buckinghamshire CC
Postal code: HP14 4UE
Country: United Kingdom

Email: air-commercialgroupmailbox@mod.gov.uk

Internet address

I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Public authority – central government

II) Object
II.1.1) Title
Project VENTURE
Reference number: ocds-h6vhtk-06ce8b

II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
Special regime
DefenceSecurity

II.1.4) Short description
Project VENTURE for the provision of future gliding equipment and services.
Gliding provides a distinctive capability as the unique selling point that inspires and attracts young people to join the RAF Air Cadets, whilst contributing significantly towards interest in a career in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Project VENTURE will deliver capability based around the current training glider; a conventional tandem-seat sailplane with high-performance soaring and aerobatic capability. This will be supported by new or refurbished equipment, robust core services, provision of spares, and post design services. Support services will include winch maintenance, aerotow capability, glider maintenance and engineering, managing safety equipment, and associated services delivered through Volunteer Gliding Schools at 10 permanent sites across the UK.
The project’s vision is for a more modern and efficient gliding capability that is safely delivered across multiple sites, and which demonstrates the RAF ethos, so that gliding contributes significantly towards inspiring and attracting a broader cross-section of air-minded young people to join Defence.

II.1.5) Estimated Total Value
Value (including VAT)
60,000,000
Value (excluding VAT)
50,000,000
Currency
GBP

II.2) Description
II.2.1) Title
Contract/Lot No
1

II.2.2) CPV codes
Main CPV codes
34721000
50200000

II.2.7) Contract dates (estimated)
Start
2028-04-01 00:00
End
2035-03-31 23:59
Duration
7 years
Possible extension
2040-03-31 23:59
Extended duration
12 years
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes

VI) Complementary information
Link to source/bidding documents

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
2026-09-09 16:36

VI.6) Engagement information
Engagement deadline
2026-09-25 23:59
Engagement process description
Following the Request for Information (RFI) published on 20th July 2026, the Authority is pleased to announce an Industry Day for Project VENTURE taking place at RAF Syerston Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5NN on 06 October 2026 from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs. The event will provide industry representatives with an opportunity to engage with the project team and view the facilities and infrastructure used to deliver the current Contract. The programme for the day will focus on a variety of topics and will inform the development of the potential solution and requirements and will comprise:
MOD / Supplier Introductions
Rationale and purpose of engagement
Advise the Aerospace/Defence Industry that MOD is reviewing the options for the new project VENTURE procurement
VENTURE Project Brief
Commercial Overview
Exploration of current and future capabilities
Tour of the facilities and infrastructure used to deliver the current Contract.
Question and Answer session (Q&A)
1-2-1 engagement with the project team
To register your attendance, please send a confirmation email with Project VENTURE in the subject title to air-commercialgroupmailbox@mod.gov.uk by 17:00 on 25 September 2026. Please include the following as part of your response:
• Full Name.
• Company Name.
• Names, role names, and Email addresses of up to two (2) attendees. (Attendees are limited to a maximum of two (2) representatives per supplier. Any attendees over the two permitted shall be denied access to the event).
• Please notify us if you wish to hold a 1-2-1 session with the project team. (please note sessions may need to be held virtually following the Industry Day due to time and capacity).
When registering for the opportunity to attend, you will be required to meet one of the criteria below:
– You must have within the last 3 years delivered or are in the process of delivering a UK MOD defence Contract encompassing defence equipment or services with a minimum value of £5M.
or
– Your organisation must have provided and sold gliding services or equipment to organisations within the last 12 months.
Travel and subsistence costs as a result of attending the Project VENTURE Industry Day or any costs relating to the preparation and submission of a response incurred are the sole responsibility of the respondent. The Authority shall not be liable to reimburse any costs of any parties who respond to this notice or register any interest in this or for further market engagements.
Registration for the event will close on 25 September 2026 at 17:00 hrs.
Please note that all information on the day will be held at OFFICIAL level.

VII) Changes/Modifications

VII.2) Other additional information
A previous UK2 notice was published to invite responses to an RFI. The notice was changed to reflect the next stages of market engagement and invite suppliers to an Industry Day and update the market on estimated contract values and contract duration.