The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has begun the process of sourcing over 180 support boats (non-competition) for the Sailing, Rowing, Canoeing, Triathlon and Open water swim events to be staged in the summer of 2012.
Over the course of March 2010, LOCOG is seeking to engage three different marine market sectors. The three separate opportunities will cover the commercial charter of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and motor yachts, the purchase of RIBs and other boats direct from the manufacturers and the sourcing of outboard motors direct from the marine engine manufacturers.
The first opportunity posted today at a href=”http://www.london2012.com/business” target=”_blank”>www.london2012.com/business, focuses on the commercial charter of RIBs and motor yachts. For operational certainty, LOCOG is seeking commercial charter companies to be able to demonstrate full ownership and availability of at least five charter boats and, in some instances, provide a fully qualified skipper and crew.
Over 150 of the support boats will be required for the Sailing events to be held in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset. The boats to support all sports will be required for test events in 2011 and during the Olympic and Paralympic games in 2012. This equates to an average of 53 days.
Chris Townsend, LOCOG Commercial Director said “The London 2012 procurement of Games-time goods and services is progressing well. The boat and marine services procurement LOCOG undertaking is a valuable opportunity for the UK marine industry. Securing the supply of a wide range of boats for use by client groups including mark layers, marshals and media will play a crucial part in the successful staging of the water-based events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Interested parties are urged to seek further information and details on how to apply online at www.london2012.com/business. The first stage of the process for all three opportunities is to register on the CompeteFor website, which is the online service for matching potential suppliers with Games-related business opportunities as the opportunities go live.
Launched at the beginning of 2008, CompeteFor allows for an open and transparent procurement process and enables businesses to have access to all relevant business opportunities between now and 2012.
The closing date for expressions of interest for the commercial charter opportunity is 10 March 2012. The RIB/boat purchase and marine engine opportunities will be posted shortly on the CompeteFor service.