Scope
Reference
NE090126WQI
Description
Pagham Lagoon (Unit 1 of Pagham Harbour SSSI) has been reported as having poor water quality by an external stakeholder, who provided water quality data showing significantly elevated levels of E. coli, total coliforms, and Enterococci. While these parameters are not typically assessed by Natural England, the concentrations reported are of potential ecological concern. No other water quality data for the lagoon is currently available.
Following further desk-based investigation, the source of the pollutants is still unknown. Natural England are therefore seeking to obtain a baseline understanding of the water quality condition at Pagham Lagoon and identify the sources of pollutants.
This will allow Natural England to determine the best course of action to address the water quality issues within Pagham Lagoon. We will then use this baseline knowledge to implement targeted interventions to ensure SSSI condition improvement.
The requirements for the investigation are:
1. Desk based review of known/mapped outfalls into the lagoon, and any other existing evidence.
2. Mapping of surface water drainage system that feeds into the lagoon, to identify key potential sources.
3. Testing of the water quality within the lagoon is expected to include a broad range of parameters to establish baseline conditions and identify potential sources of pollution. The following parameters should be assessed as a minimum:
• Dissolved Oxygen
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
• Turbidity
• Nitrogen (likely Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen due to the saline nature)
• Phosphorus (preferably soluble reactive phosphorous)
• Ammonia
• Conductivity
• Temperature
• Sulphate
• Soluble reactive phosphorous
Additional parameters of concern will include:
• E. coli
• Enterococci
• Consideration will also be given to possible sediment sampling, subject to confirmation of lagoon connectivity and sediment deposition processes.
• Sampling will be undertaken under various weather conditions to determine whether water quality fluctuations are linked to storm events.
• Final written report compiling findings from the desk based and on the ground investigation, identifying and distinguishing sources of pollution, and recommendations for actions to improve water quality review of the information suppliers would need to decide whether they would be interested in an opportunity.
This is to be completed by 31st March 2026
Total value (estimated)
- £8,333.33 excluding VAT
- £10,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 February 2026 to 30 March 2026
- 1 month, 29 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71354500 - Marine survey services
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
UK suppliers
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
26 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached.
Your response must be sent to Sarah.Clark@naturalengland.org.uk and Kelly.Jones@naturalengland.org.uk by 12 midday on 26 Jan 2026.
If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to Sarah.Clark@naturalengland.org.uk and Kelly.Jones@naturalengland.org.uk. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Award criteria
Full details are available in the RFQ.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
Pagham Lagoon Water Quality RfQ.docx
Request for Quotation
Pagham Lagoon Water Quality Order Form NE Standard Goods Services Terms and Conditions.docx
Order Form
NE_Commercial Response basic (2).docx
Commercial Response Template
Contracting authority
Natural England
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJDG-6588-XDMM
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Kelly Jones
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government