Scope
Reference
C32430
Description
This commission is for the provision of marine data management and support services for the MERMAN+ system (the “Data Manager”). The role requires demonstrable expertise in marine data management, and both UK and international marine data landscapes, as well as reporting commitments (see below). The project will ensure delivery of quality-assured marine environmental data to relevant parties and provide an assured evidence-base that will strengthen policy decisions within the UK and Europe.
MERMAN+ data are used to fulfil statutory reporting obligations under the UK Marine Strategy (UKMS) Regulations 2010 and mandatory reporting obligations under the Oslo Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the OSPAR Convention). OSPAR commitments are met through the annual onward submission of MERMAN+ data to ICES. MERMAN+ data are also submitted to European Marine Observation and Data Network (E
Contract 1. Marine Environmental Monitoring and Assessment National Database – Plus (MERMAN+) Data Management
Supplier
Contract value
- £345,218 excluding VAT
- £414,261.60 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
14 January 2026
Contract dates
- 15 January 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years, 2 months, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
Up to 12 months, if required.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Extension. Price review after two years
CPV classifications
- 72322000 - Data management services
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|
| MERMAN+ Helpdesk | Enquiries from non-Competent Monitoring Authorities (for example, bespoke data requests) will be acknowledged within five business days and resolved within ten business days. |
10 days |
| Delivery | The Data Manager will submit MERMAN+ data to EMODnet Chemistry each year. |
12 months |
| Delivery | The Data Manager will submit MERMAN+ data to ICES by 1st of September each year. |
12 months |
| MERMAN+ Helpdesk | Enquiries from Competent Monitoring Authorities will be acknowledged within one business day and resolved within three business days. |
3 days |
| Delivery | The Data Manager will conduct two MERMAN+ Focus Groups each year. |
12 months |
| Timelines | Data Manager response to enquiries from Defra or the System Contractor within two business days. |
2 days |
| Delivery | The Data Manager will conduct one MERMAN+ training workshop each year. |
12 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
National Oceanography Centre
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYLV-3456-PMCQ
National Oceanography Centre
Southampton
SO14 3ZH
United Kingdom
Email: coms@noc.ac.uk
Website: http://www.noc.ac.uk
Region: UKJ32 - Southampton
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Marine Environmental Monitoring and Assessment National Database - Plus (MERMAN+) Data Management
Contracting authority
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Alan Green
Email: alan.green@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government