Contract

Profiling Floats for Ocean Data Collection

  • Met Office

UK7: Contract details notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-005026

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-059f75 (view related notices)

Published 20 January 2026, 4:48pm



Scope

Reference

DN783668

Description

The Met Office awarded a framework agreement for the following Lots:

Lot 1 - Standard floats with Iridium communications

Lot 2 - Iridium floats with bio-geochemical sensors

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework


Lot 1. Standard floats with Iridium communications

Description

Standard floats with Iridium communications (temperature, salinity and depth only).


Lot 2. Iridium floats with bio-geochemical sensors

Description

Bio-geochemical-Argo is the extension of the Argo array of profiling floats to include floats that are equipped with additional sensors for pH, oxygen, nitrate, chlorophyll fluorescence, suspended particles and down-welling irradiance. With respect to Lot 2, it is likely that purchases of such floats may range from those with a single additional sensor (most likely dissolved oxygen) through to the full sensor suite.


Framework

Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Framework operation description

The most advantageous call-off contracts.

Award method when using the framework

Without competition

Contracting authorities that may use the framework

Establishing party only


Contract 1

Lots

Lot 1. Standard floats with Iridium communications

Suppliers (2)

Contract value

  • £2,152,748 excluding VAT
  • £2,583,297.60 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Above the relevant threshold

Date signed

19 January 2026

Contract dates

  • 27 January 2026 to 26 January 2029
  • Possible extension to 26 January 2030
  • 4 years

Description of possible extension:

The Framework Agreement may be renewed at the end of the Initial Period for a further period of one (1) year ("Further Period") by the Met Office giving written notice of renewal to the Suppliers no later than 1 months prior to the expiry of the Initial Period.

Main procurement category

Goods

Options

The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.

In order to benefit from technological developments within the product range, the Met Office reserves the right to expand the catalogue of related products incorporated into this agreement over the duration of the Framework.

CPV classifications

  • 38120000 - Meteorological instruments

Contract locations

  • UKK4 - Devon

Key performance indicators

Name Reporting frequency
Receipt of an Order 12 months
Delivery Dates 12 months
Accurate and timely billing of invoices 12 months

Contract 2

Lots

Lot 2. Iridium floats with bio-geochemical sensors

Suppliers (2)

Contract value

  • £179,090.88 excluding VAT
  • £214,909.06 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Above the relevant threshold

Date signed

19 January 2026

Contract dates

  • 27 January 2026 to 26 January 2029
  • Possible extension to 26 January 2030
  • 4 years

Description of possible extension:

The Framework Agreement may be renewed at the end of the Initial Period for a further period of one (1) year ("Further Period") by the Met Office giving written notice of renewal to the Supplier no later than 1 months prior to the expiry of the Initial Period.

Main procurement category

Goods

Options

The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.

In order to benefit from technological developments within the product range, the Met Office reserves the right to expand the catalogue of related products incorporated into this agreement over the duration of the Framework.

CPV classifications

  • 38120000 - Meteorological instruments

Contract locations

  • UKK4 - Devon

Key performance indicators

Name Reporting frequency
Receipt of an Order 12 months
Delivery Dates 12 months
Accurate and timely billing of invoices 12 months

Other information

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure


Suppliers

nke Instrumentation

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPXP-5436-VCHN

6 Rue Gutenberg

Hennebont

56700

France

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1

Contract 2

SWALE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

  • Companies House: 02500466
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBJQ-5821-HXXW

6 Greenacres Warpsgrove Lane

Chalgrove

OX44 7RW

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1

Contract 2


Contracting authority

Met Office

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVZW-3234-DTLY

Met Office

Exeter

EX1 3PB

United Kingdom

Region: UKK43 - Devon CC

Organisation type: Public authority - central government