Scope
Reference
C29870
Description
The Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis Framework (2025–2033) is an open framework agreement led by the Environment Agency on behalf of the Defra Group, with an estimated value of £4.9 million over eight years (excluding VAT).
The Framework will comprise of 5 Suppliers.
The contract starts on 12 December 2025 and expires on 11 December 2028. The Contract may run until 11 December 2033, subject to the extensions provision.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
11 December 2033
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Further information about fees
n/a
Framework operation description
Services will be procured by the Business Partners (Environment Agency (EA), Natural England (NE) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW)), on an ad-hoc basis, based on the business need, under a Call-Off Agreement. The Bids for each assignment will been evaluated in competition, on a commercial basis.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Services will be procured by the Business Partners (Environment Agency (EA), Natural England (NE) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW)), on an ad-hoc basis, based on the business need, under a Call-Off Agreement. The Bids for each assignment will been evaluated in competition, on a commercial basis.
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
Suppliers (5)
- APEM Limited
- Hebog Environmental Limited
- Ocean Ecology Limited
- Thomson Environmental Consultants Limited
- University of Hull
Contract value
- £4,900,000 excluding VAT
- £5,880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
11 December 2025
Contract dates
- 12 December 2025 to 11 December 2028
- Possible extension to 11 December 2033
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
Each Contract will be awarded for 3 years with the option to extend.
Up to 8 years (3+1+2+2), ending no later than 11 December 2033.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Each Contract will be awarded for 3 years with the option to extend.
Up to 8 years (3+1+2+2), ending no later than 11 December 2033.
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Appendix 2 - Key Performance Indicators - KPIs | Appendix 2 - Key Performance Indicators - KPIs |
1 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
APEM Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHWL-6298-CTCP
Riverview A17 Embankment Business Park Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN United Kingdom
Stockport
SK4 3GN
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@apemltd.co.uk
Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
Hebog Environmental Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXPV-6275-NRDW
Hebog Environmental Limited Mentec Deiniol Road Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2UP United Kingdom
Gwynedd
LL57 2UP
United Kingdom
Region: UKL12 - Gwynedd
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
Ocean Ecology Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGWV-4561-PXYN
Ocean Ecology Limited River Office Severnside Park Epney GL2 7LN United Kingdom
Epney
GL2 7LN
United Kingdom
Email: at@osc.co.uk
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
Thomson Environmental Consultants Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNTZ-6879-JRHW
Compass House 60 Priestley Road Surrey Research Park Guildford United Kingdom
Guildford
GU2 7AG
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@thomsonec.com
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
University of Hull
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGQV-8647-LZDM
Cottingham Road Kingston Upon Hull Hull HU6 7RX United Kingdom
Hull
HU6 7RX
United Kingdom
Email: w.a.musk@hull.ac.uk
Region: UKE11 - Kingston upon Hull, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. C32162 - Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033)
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Harry Dundas
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Responsible for procuring the service on behalf of the Environment Agency.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Defra Group Commercial
Email: dgcenquiries@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster