Provision of Worldwide Conveyance Services of HM Forces Mail

Description of Requirement

The Ministry of Defence, acting through the British Forces Post Office (BFPO), intends to procure a comprehensive global mail conveyance service to support the delivery and return of Forces mail and courier services worldwide.

BFPO's mission is to provide an efficient, effective and resilient postal and courier service in order to sustain the fighting power of UK Armed Forces worldwide. BFPO delivers postal services to Service Personnel, Defence Civil Servants and entitled family members located across the globe through a combination of military and commercial transportation networks.

The Authority is considering a requirement that may include some or all of the following service elements:

Scheduled Worldwide Mail Conveyance

International inbound and outbound mail conveyance services.

Freight forwarding through commercial air carriers and express courier networks.

Customs management and associated documentation.

Provision of tracking and tracing services.

Non-Scheduled (Ad Hoc) Worldwide Mail Conveyance

Urgent and operational mail movements.

Support to HM Ships and deployed military operations.

Flexible worldwide collection and delivery capability.

Airport Road Trunking

Routine movement of mail between BFPO Headquarters and designated airport cargo facilities.

Handling, storage and secure transportation of military mail consignments.

UK Road Trunking

Collection and delivery services between BFPO, Royal Mail facilities, RAF Brize Norton and other Defence locations.

Provision of suitable vehicles, drivers and associated operational support.

Witness Loading and Specialist Freight Forwarding Services

Support for secure international movement of designated consignments.

Airport handling and customs liaison activities.

Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Filing Services

Submission and management of customs declarations and associated regulatory requirements.

Support for BFPO requirements relating to the movement of mail into EU territories.

Key Requirements

Potential suppliers should be capable of demonstrating:

Proven experience in international freight forwarding, mail conveyance or logistics services.

Access to worldwide transportation networks.

Appropriate aviation, freight forwarding and customs accreditations.

Robust track and trace capabilities.

Ability to operate within secure and sensitive government environments.

Compliance with all applicable UK transport, customs, security and health and safety legislation.

Business continuity and resilience arrangements capable of supporting operational military requirements.

Experience supporting public sector or defence customers is desirable.

Market Engagement

The Authority intends to undertake market engagement activities with interested suppliers prior to commencing the formal procurement. These activities may include Requests for Information (RFI), supplier engagement events, one-to-one discussions and industry briefings.

Information gathered through market engagement will be used to inform the final procurement strategy, requirements, lotting structure and commercial approach.

Participation in pre-market engagement activities will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process.

Procurement Act 2023

The Authority intends to conduct any future procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations.

Further information, including any Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (UK2), Tender Notice (UK4) and procurement documentation, will be published on the Central Digital Platform at the appropriate time.

Additional Information

This Pipeline Notice is issued for information and procurement planning purposes only and does not commit the Authority to commence any procurement or enter into any contractual arrangement.

The scope, procurement timetable, contract structure and estimated value remain subject to business approvals, funding and further development of the requirement.

Contract Locations - Please note that although United Kingdom has been selected, this does not rule out Suppliers that are not based in United Kingdom.