Scope
Reference
eDNALRKeK
Description
The LIFE R4ever Kent project (2021 -2026) aims restore and revitalise the River Kent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in South Cumbria and its wider catchment, so it is more resilient to environmental pressures. This unique river, located on the fringes of the English Lake District is home to internationally important populations of bullhead, white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel and water crowfoot (Ranunculus) habitat. A key deliverable of the project is to trial new monitoring techniques by implementing the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling for testing for the presence of Freshwater Pearl Mussels, White-clawed Crayfish along with invasive Signal Crayfish and associated disease Crayfish Plague.
There are three parts to this contract:
• The provision of eDNA water sampling equipment/kits and protocols
• DNA extraction, analysis of samples taken and reporting the result
• Sequencing of qPCR products
Natural England will be responsible for the collection of water samples from sites across the River Kent Catchment.
Total value (estimated)
- £45,833 excluding VAT
- £55,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 30 September 2026
- 1 year, 5 months, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
6 months as per standard contract
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 90711300 - Environmental indicators analysis other than for construction
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
UK suppliers
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 March 2025, 4:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 April 2025, 4:00pm
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 rebecca.lowe@naturalengland.org.uk by 16:00 on 02/04/25.
If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to rebecca.lowe@naturalengland.org.uk by 16:00 on 26/03/25. 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 outlined in the RFQ.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
LR4EK eDNA Request For Quotation (Project template)_final.docx
RFQ
Order Form NE Standard Goods & Services Terms and Conditions edna 2025.docx
Contract Draft
LIT 63284 - Guided Buying_Commercial Response Basic.docx
Commercial Response
Contracting authority
Natural England
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJDG-6588-XDMM
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Becky Lowe
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government